Costa Blanca South 18 – 24 May 2023 Issue 1976

ELCHE’S SONGBIRD

SPANISH representative and Elche­born superstar, Blanca Paloma had crowds in Elche on their feet as she performed a show ­ stopping piece at the Eurovision song contest held on Saturday, May 13.

Thousands of excited locals flocked to two community parties organised by Elche City Council at El Toscar Sports Centre and Plaza Mayor in El Altet to support the local star. Fans flocked to the parties in fancy dress to watch the competition on giant screens.

Blanca Paloma delivered her hit song ‘Ea Ea’, a heartfelt lullaby dedicated to her grandmother Carmen, finishing midway through the field, in 17th place.

The local competitions were not the only forms of support Paloma received. Several locals travelled to Liverpool in

the UK who hosted the contest on behalf of last year’s winners from the war ­ torn nation of Ukraine.

Paloma garnered a total of 100 points in the vot ­

ing, with 95 points coming from the international jury, scoring one of the highest among judges. However, she did not receive much support from watchers, earning just

five points. The mayor, Carlos González shared his thoughts, “Although she didn’t secure victory, she is the true champion for our city.”

Elche went crazy for their homegrown Eurovision contestant.

Photo credit: Ajuuntament d’Elx

A FUNDRAISER organised for a Catholic feast day in Elche saw more than 900 people come together, share a giant paella and raise funds for the charity Caritas on Sunday, May 14.

The mayor, Carlos González, the councillor for Events, Mariola Galiana, and other city council members joined the community at the event which took place in the Sector V neighbourhood. The event, was organised by the Nuestra Señora de los

Paella party

Desamparados parish church on the El Pla sports complex. The community showed up in force for a day of social fun and games as well as enjoying a giant paella dish. Attendees were treated to portions of the paella with a drink for the price of €4, some of which went to charity. The fun day also included workshops and contests be ­

fore a religious procession at 8pm.

Caritas is a global Catholic association, made up of lots of smaller organisations which work to provide poverty relief and fight social injustice. The organisation operates on principles of solidarity, subsidiarity, and respect for human dignity, aiming to create a more fair and compassionate society.

Torrevieja U3A

ON a day in the first week of May when the temperature around Torrevieja hit an all­time high, 24 members of the Torrevieja U3A Hiking and Walking group set off from Torremendo to explore one of the walking trails around the Pedrera reservoir.

Their elevated trek afforded them magnificent views of the turquoise­coloured reservoir and the surrounding countryside which included almond and citrus trees and the occasional rabbit and bird of prey.

A well­earned rest was taken by the group in

ON Saturday, May 13, the ladies came out in full force looking to secure a bargain at a charity fashion show in aid of Samaritans in Spain, held at Kacey’s Bar, Playa Flamenca CC.

With some truly fabulous items available at the incredible price of just €3 each, lots of the clothes and accessories were quickly snapped up.

Three collections were modelled: Summer Days, Ascot Ladies and Girls’ Night Out.

a well­frequented bar in Torremendo after their three­hour circular walk.

The Torrevieja U3A Hiking and Walking Group schedule walks from September to May. More information about the group, as well as all the other activities that the members of the Torrevieja U3A can participate in, can be found on the Torrevieja U3A website: torrevie jau3a.org.

Alternatively, a visit to the group’s Facebook page will provide similar information plus details on how to join the Association.

Charity fashion

Attendees were also provided with a showing of a very special flamenco collection by special guest models Jon and Martin!

As well as the clothes and a raffle, a name the teddy was held with all proceeds being donated to the charity.

The entire evening was hosted by TKO presenter, Chris Dyson, and the total raised was an amazing

€800. Samaritans in Spain provides a confidential listening service to all English speakers, of any age in mainland Spain and the Islands. They are available in Spain on FREEPHONE 900 525 100.

Further information about the prganisation and how to support them can be found by visiting www.samaritansinspain. com.

Anna Ellis

Betty Henderson

COMING TOGETHER: The giant paella pan dwarfed the cooks.

Wheel deals

PITCHES are available for €6 at a car boot sale taking place in Villa Martin each Saturday from 8am until 12:30pm. Guests are also invited to seek a bargain each week at Urbanizacion Pueblo Principe. For information, call: 646 896 280.

Living stitches

HELP Vega Baja has launched ‘memory bears’, cherished keepsakes crafted from sentimental fabrics to the buyers. Volunteer Jill stitches with love, supporting the worthy cause. Contact President Michele at 966 723 733 or president@help vegabaja.com to order a bear or for information.

Orihuela tours

RESIDENTS and visitors alike are invited to discover more of their local area in Orihuela with free guided tours being offered throughout May by the council. Upcoming tours are scheduled for Saturday, May 20, Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28.

Rare condition

JOINING the global movement, Elche City Council commemorated International Ehlers­Danlos Syndrome Day on Monday, May 15. The council aimed to raise awareness for the rare genetic condition.

Museum night

CARTAGENA is hosting the 15th edition of its annual Night at the Museum event on Saturday, May 20! Guests are invited to explore the museum’s captivating collections at the mesmerising event. Admission free until 2am on the night.

Safety concern

AUTHORITIES are urging motorists and pedestrians to take more care in Torrevieja after two women were knocked over in under 48 hours over the weekend. Both women were rushed to hospital where they were treated for their injuries.

Betty Henderson

ORIHUELA celebrated World Fairtrade Day on Friday, May 12 with a bumper fun day including a manifesto reading and various activities.

The event, organised by the local Fairtrade group, aimed to raise awareness about the abusive working conditions, child exploitation, and deforestation involved in the manufacture of everyday products like coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, and clothing, and how the community can avoid being complicit in this injustice.

The mayor of Orihuela, Carolina Gracia, and the councillor for Business and Commerce, María García, attended the manifesto reading at the Fairtrade shop on Ori ­

Fairtrade city

significance of a fair production of everyday products.

The local Fair Trade association also held free tastings and the sale of fairtrade products throughout the morning at several locations in the city. They also recruited new volunteers for the association.

Petanque reforms

huela’s Calle Mayor. Gracia expressed her gratitude for the shop’s work,

highlighting the importance of fighting inequality and understanding the

Orihuela has been a ‘Fairtrade City’ for 10 years, which means that there are several initiatives underway already including a fairtrade working group at the local council.

Saintly celebration Dream Torrevieja

THE Mayoral candidate for Torrevieja Pablo Samper announced on Monday, May 15 that if he is voted in as Mayor his party ‘Sueña Torrevieja’ (Dream Torrevieja) will fund a pavilion with a capacity for 15,000 people.

He went on to say this pavilion they have named the Torrevieja International Centre will be constructed on the plot of land next to the Official Language School.

Samper also said “There have been many requests and suggestions from residents who have

asked us about the possibility of Torrevieja being able to host concerts on an international level throughout the year.”

The Torrevieja International Centre would also be a space to hold, fairs, exhibitions, and congresses.

He compared the plans for this centre to the Wizink Centre in Madrid saying it would allow them to host international sporting events and would put Torrevieja in the international spotlight as a sporting reference.

IN a dazzling display of tradition and faith, Guardamar del Segura celebrated San Isidro’s Day on Sunday, May 14. With a vivid tapestry of colours and sounds, the town paid homage to the patron saint of agriculture and labourers with a breathtaking ‘Romeria’ traditional procession.

The procession of San Isidro Labrador del Campo de Guardamar began from the Virgen de Fátima parish church, where locals and visitors gathered and began a procession which would then travel around the town.

The mass in honour of San

Invest in sport

THE Santa Pola Town Hall has announced the beginning of the work on the Paco Hernández sports centre on their website.

They will invest €527,000 into the sports centre to create a new sports court, new changing rooms and storerooms.

They will also renovate the façade and update the lighting as part of this project.

They reported that the work should take a maximum of five months to complete.

On their Facebook page, Mayor Loreto Serrano and Councillor Julio Miguel Baeza Andreu reported that the work to lay the new artificial turf on the Pereira pitch has been completed. The investment of €186,000 was provided by the Alicante Council as part of their more sport plan.

Isidro united the faithful in a harmonious celebration. Another spectacle followed in an enchanting floral offering, leaving attendees feeling uplifted thanks to the accompaniment of the Santisima Virgen de los Dolores band.

San Isidro, also known as Saint Isidore the Labourer, is the patron saint of farmers and labourers. Born in Madrid, in the late 11th century, he lived a life of humility and devotion, serving as a farm labourer for most of his life. He is renowned in the global Catholic community for his piety, charity, and for performing miracles.

THE Torrevieja Town Council invested €48,400 to refurbish 80 pétanque courts in the municipality of Torrevieja.

The Sports councillor for Torrevieja, Diana Box Alonso reported that the work took two months. She went on to say that the practice of this sport in the town of Torrevieja has many fans, mainly older people and both Spanish and International residents so it was important to the town council that each area have one and that they be in good condition.

The 80 refurbished courts have been installed in: Plaza de Las Abejas, Plaza Argólidas, Plaza de Europa, Plaza de la Marina Española, Plaza Mar Azul, Plaza Sevilla, Plaza Sevilla, San Roque neighbourhood, and those installed in the urbanisations of Las Torretas, Cabo Cervera, Los Balcones, and La Siesta.

Photo credit: Comercio Justo Orihuela (via Facebook)

FUN DAY: Passionate volunteers sold fairtrade products.

Green-thumbs up

Betty Henderson

THE popular Campoverde

Open Garden Day is making a comeback on Saturday, May 27, from 11am until 4pm. Guests will be invited to immerse themselves in several captivating gardens in Pinar de Campoverde, nestled near to Pilar de la Horadada. Guests will wander through a kaleidoscope of horticultural wonders that promise to delight all gardening enthusiasts.

The event, organised by Campoverde Community Church, is not a competition, but an opportunity for local

gardening lovers to learn from each other and to escape into nature’s paradise. This year the participating properties are the following:

3 Calle Oregano, 17 Calle Oregano, 20 Calle Oregano, 1 Calle Peral, and 17 Calle Magnolio. Each property boasts distinctive features and types

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

of plants chosen.

From spacious gardens with lawns and orchards to small patios with plants in pots, there is plenty of inspiration to be taken.

The event is also a social occasion where property owners will share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of their gardens.

The event is completely free, although donations towards the church will be gratefully accepted; donation tins will be provided at each property. There is also ample parking in the area for visitors.

New heights

AFTER recording excellent figures during the winter and spring season, the AlicanteElche Miguel Hernández Airport, located in El Altet is gearing up for the crucial summer season, which accounts for a significant portion of its annual traffic.

Authorities say they are anticipating breaking records this summer after consistently exceeding expectations since the start of the year.

According to figures released on Tuesday, May 16, the Alicante airport welcomed an unprecedented 1.43 million passengers in April, thanks to a boost from the Easter holidays. The excellent figures represent a growth of almost 20

Elche’s

per cent in passenger arrivals compared to April 2022 and an impressive 7 per cent increase over the record­breaking April in 2019.

Throughout the year, El Altet has been setting new monthly records, overtaking records broken in 2019. The record­breaking streak of 2022 has continued each month of this year with growth rates averaging 4 per cent.

Despite Aena’s five­year plan targeting 15 million passengers by 2026 (the record from 2019), the terminal nearly returned to pre­pandemic levels ahead of target, in 2022, handling over 13 million passengers, nearly 90 per cent of its record.

goal-getters

ELCHE’S mayor and the councillor for Sports extended their congratulations to Elche Women’s Football Club after the team’s recent promotion to the second league, the 2a RFEF.

Carlos González, the mayor of Elche, and Vicente Alberola, the councillor for Sports, welcomed the players to the City Hall for a ceremony on Thursday, May 11 where they presented them with a plaque in recognition of their achievement.

During the reception, the mayor congratulated the team on their successful promotion, describing their season as “perfect” and praising their historic achievement.

He expressed his pride in

each of the players, the coaching staff, and the significance of their achievement for the city and women’s football as a whole.

González also highlighted the growing importance of women’s sports in Spain, noting the tremendous progress made towards gender equality in sports.

Elche Football Club’s President Joaquín Buitrago also praised the players’ efforts, commitment, and resilience following their relegation and commended the unifying role of the coaching staff in bringing them back up.

In return, the club’s captain thanked the council for their support and expressed her hope for her team’s ongoing success.

Brush with history

ORIHUELA is preparing to celebrate the International Day of Museums with a unique cultural day. The city’s Museum of Holy Art is holding a day packed full of exciting activities for visitors of all ages today, Thursday, May 18. With the theme of ‘Museums, sustainability, and well­being’, this year’s celebration aims to showcase the significance of museums in our society and the knowledge they offer.

The doors of the museum will be open to the public, free of charge, from 10am to 2pm, and from 4pm to 8.30pm on the day.

The museum’s temporary exhibitions, ‘Vicente López. The Court and Orihuela’ at the Real Monastery of the Visitación de las Reales Salesas de Orihuela, ‘La Mirada de la Mano’ in the Renaissance Art Room, and ‘Templos de Sabiduría. The Library of Ancient Background of the Seminary of Orihuela’ at the Museum of Holy Art, will all be available for visitors to explore. The museum will also put on several educational workshops for children, including storytelling, puzzles, and guessing games. Guided tours of the museum will also be offered .

10

One of the stunning participating gardens.

“If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”

meaning is don’t depend on someone else to do a good job, do it yourself. This was first used by Napolean Bonaparte.

Top 10 universities in the world include Oxford and Cambridge.

Acts of generosity

ELCHE will raise the curtain on an evening of theatrical excellence on Thursday, May 18 for a charity amateur theatre evening. Performers will take to the stage for a night of fun while raising money for charities in the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Featuring a selection of seven outstanding plays curated by theatre lovers, the show promises to be an entertaining event for the audience

while raising much­needed funds for the Association for Aid to Western Sahara, which provides essential assistance to those in need.

The audience will get a chance to witness the raw talent and creativity of actors from the participating theatre associations, as they bring their exceptional performances to life.

From 9pm on the night, the Gran Teatro de Elche will

come alive with the magic of live performance, thanks to the work of several amateur theatre groups.

Organisers Consuelo Pérez and Ángela Carrillo from local theatre associations announced the remarkable initiative, saying that tickets cost €5 each.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the theatre’s box office or online via: www.in stanticket.es.

Health on horizon

Betty Henderson SEPTEMBER will mark the opening of the highly anticipated new medical centre in La Marina, bringing improved healthcare services to the district.

Photo credit: Ajuntament d’Elx

THE Health Minister for Alicante outlined the plan for the prevention and attention of health problems derived from extreme temperatures on May 15. This programme will remain active until September 30. The activation of the programme which includes advice and warnings to avoid heat stroke was brought forward two weeks this year due to the unusually high temperatures experienced. As part of this programme Alicante has announced the threshold above which excess heat triggers health risks and mortality. The threshold for Alicante is 32 degrees due to the humidity in the area.

The aim of the plan is to mitigate the negative effects that excessive heat can have on the health of the population especially those in vulnerable groups like the elderly or pregnant women as well as those who work outdoors.

They plan to change the timetables of people working outside. There is a mandatory ban on carrying out certain tasks during the hours of the day when there are adverse weather phenomena that have been assigned an orange or red warning. Companies are also obliged to take appropriate actions to protect their workers.

Elche’s mayor Carlos González, along with city councillors Mariola Galiana and Vicente Alberola inspected the ongoing construction work during a visit on Friday, May 12. The group were joined by regional health professionals who showed them around the construction work.

The new building will feature five medical consultation rooms,with two new GPS, a paediatrician, as well as two staffed nursing stations.

During the visit, González announced

that the health centre will open by September.

According to the mayor, “The construction is progressing at a good speed and is adhering to the planned timelines.”

Regarding the location, he highlighted its location near to the town’s social centre, saying that it will transform the space into a

hub of public services in La Marina, improving the quality of services in the Elche district.

The total investment for the project amounts to €420,000, with €140,000 which went towards acquiring the premises and a further €280,000 involved in the transformation of the space.

Authorities inspect the 200 metre squared health centre.

Goal-ourious centenary

ELCHE Football Club fans poured into the streets on Sunday, May 14 as part of the club’s centenary celebrations. The city’s Paseo de la Estación was flooded in a sea of green and white as fans celebrated 100 years of their beloved team.

The all day celebrations included social activities and a green and white firework display for supporters to enjoy while tucking into plates of a local rice dish. The fun day was held alongside a match the team played against Atlético Madrid and from which they emerged victorious, winning 1­0.

Elche fans celebrated their

club’s vibrant history alongside supporters from Atlético Madrid who joined them in a harmonious atmosphere in a fan zone, complete with fun football­related activities.

Organised by club’s the Federation of Supporters, the event was graced by the mayor of Elche, Carlos González, as well as members of the

council. González expressed his pride in the club saying they have a “bright future”.

Important figures in the club’s management including the president of the Federation of Supporters, David Aranda, the club owner, Christian Bragarnik, and the president, Joaquín Buitrago, also attended the party.

GEOLODÍA is an outreach initiative in which geological field trips are carried out free of charge and are open to the general public.

Two areas in Pilar de la Horadada are of great interest to geologists: the Río Seco in the Pinar de Campoverde Natural Area and the promenade of Torre

Paradise protection

Betty Henderson PROTECTION is on the horizon for a local beauty spot. The official process to declare Sierra Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor as a Natural Park was set in motion on Tuesday, May 16.

Spanning across the area between the towns of Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas, and Pilar de la Horadada, this breathtaking area is set to receive the recognition and protection it deserves.

The decision to seek recognition as a national park was motivated by residents and authorities’ recognition of the remarkable environmental, scenic, and cultural values of the region.

Additionally, the area’s potential for public use, such as educational activities and responsible enjoyment of the natural surroundings, is a further reason for seeking this protected status.

The regional body which maintains national parks in the Valencian Community

is particularly well ­ suited for managing areas like Sierra Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor, where the intertwining of human activity and the rural environment has shaped the unique environment. Authorities are seeking protection under the Protected Natural Areas Law of the Valencian Community. This legal framework would safeguard valuable natural spaces while ensuring sustainable use of resources in sectors including forestry and hunting.

Geological attraction

de la Horadada between the mouth of the Río Seco and Las Higuericas Beach.

The Río Seco and its stunning scenery are of great interest to

the group as they have observed five million ­ year ­ old fossilised storm debris in the area. The Torre de la Horadada coastal route is of interest because of the

reddish cliffs they take a deeper look at how the climate of the past has left a mark on the rocks. Over 1,000 visitors have been attracted to the area through this initiative and the councillor for the environment said “It has put Pilar de la Horadada on the tourist map.”

BEAUTY SPOT: Sierra Escalona is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Elche CF celebrated 100 years with a victory over Atletico.

58 letters in the longest town name which is in Wales.

Strutting for good Tune in

Betty Henderson

GLITZ and glamour returned to La Marina at the AAN Charity’s summer fashion show on Tuesday, May 9. Volunteer models strutted their stuff in stunning outfits while raising funds for the charity which supports vulnerable people in the community.

Brenda Bentley, a volunteer model and organiser, took to Facebook to express her gratitude towards the models and announce the total raised on Friday, May 12, saying that the event raised more than €500. She thanked Andy for supplying brilliant music that set the tone for the entire event, Amed from Delicatessen and Rene from My Cafe for keeping the audience fed and refreshed and for ensuring that the models and at ­

tendees were taken care of.

The real stars of the show were the models themselves! These ladies and gentlemen gave their time to showcase the latest trends in fashion, proving that anyone can look and feel like a million bucks without

breaking the bank.

The event was also held last year and has become something of a staple on the local calendar, raising hundreds of euros every year for the charity which supports the needy and homeless in the community with essential items.

MUSIC lovers are invited to a special date near La Zenia. Lyrical Vocal Group is preparing to deliver a stunning Spring Concert on Saturday, May 27 at 7.30pm at the magnificent Capilla de Santa Maria del Mar, located on the N332 ­ La Zenia. Lyrical Vocal Group will unleash a whirlwind of popular hits, dazzling show tunes, and timeless classics that will leave guests impressed. The event is also a charity fundraiser and will support Help Vega Baja’s vital information, care­giving, and support services in the region. Additionally, Samaritans in Spain and the church’s own funds will benefit from some of the funds raised at the concert.

Tickets for the event are selling quickly, so guests are advised to book in advance. Tickets cost €10 and are available for purchase from La Ponderosa in La Zenia, The Card Place in Punta Prima shopping centre, Help Vega Baja shop in San Miguel, or directly from any of the Lyrical members. Guests can also reserve tickets by email to: lyricalvocalgroup@gmail.com

The Lyrical Vocal Group is a local choir which sings a repertoire of popular music, show tunes and well known classics.

Secondhand Sparkle’s style

ATTENTION fashion enthusiasts and philanthropists! Prepare for an afternoon of glamour and giving as the Hondon Valley celebrates the grand opening of ‘Secondhand Sparkle’, a brand new charity shop with a fashion show.

The Dream Centre religious organisation is holding a charity fashion show in aid of local causes on Thursday, May 25, from 4.30pm at their location in Hondon Los Frailes.

Guests are invited to check out the latest trends while enjoying cheese and wine at the

exclusive event. Donations collected throughout the evening will go towards the Elche Children’s Home charity and The Dream Centre religious organisation.

Admission to the event is free but guests are asked to give a donation. Guests are also asked to secure their spots by contacting Dream Centre Hondon Los Frailes through Facebook, or calling: 634 329 535, to help in preparations.

Secondhand Sparkle is a registered charity dedicated to making a positive impact

locally and globally. It is run by The Dream Centre, a religious group with a mission of advancing the Christian faith.

GLITZY: Glamorous models pose after the fashion show.

Photo credit: Brenda Bentley (via Facebook)

15,000 words were used by Shakespeare in his plays and poetry.

Night comes alive

Betty Henderson

THE Elche Night Race running event made its comeback on Sunday, May 14, cementing its reputation as the ultimate nighttime race in the region with more than 2,500 runners taking to the streets.

The event saw a major 40 per cent boost in entries compared to last year, making it the second biggest nighttime race in the Valencia region, after Valencia’s own 15 kilometre night run.

As the clock struck 9.30pm, the starting pistol sounded and runners took to the course. Rainy forecasts did not put off runners from all across Spain and international participants who flooded the streets of Elche, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Among the runners were the several members of the city council who got stuck into the event.

The competitive spirit burned brightly as Alejan­

dro Juan Torres and local talent Jessica Guerrero Ballester claimed victory in the men’s and women’s categories of the challenging 10 kilometre circuit, with Ballester securing her second consecutive victory. Meanwhile, Jorge Mateu Fernández and Danielle Hodglinsen emerged victorious in the five kilometre distance, each posting stunning times.

The evening concluded with a thrilling awards ceremony, with trophies presented by the local university’s sports department.

A sad farewell to ‘Mr Fixit’

ROUND four of the Carp­R­Us Murcia Series was fished at the Embalse de Argos, Murcia. Although a long way to travel this venue often provides exceptional sport to make the journey worthwhile. However, as always, conditions play a big part in fishing and while two days early the local temperature was some 34°C on the day of the match it was some 10°C cooler with a blustery wind which did not aid presentation.

This did not stop Doug Hornblow running out clear winner with 36.441kg taken using either method feeder or slow sinking feeder and pellets, and to think he did nothing but moan when he saw his peg was on the cold side! A long way behind in second was Steve Fell with 11.40kg from peg 4 caught using either method or cage feeder and wafters, third was Alan Davis from peg 1 with 10.10kg (method feeder and wafter) and fourth from peg 5 was Nick Bastock (method feeder and maggot). Second, third and fourth were all on the warm side.

Monday May 8 we said goodbye to Terry ‘Mr Fixit’ Screen, 79 who sadly passed away the previous week. Terry was a founder member of Carp­R­Us and other local fishing clubs and was well known to many outside of the clubs. He was instrumental in establishing angling on the southern Costa Blanca including helping to create new venues that

everyone could enjoy.

He had time for everyone and would often regale you with tales of his fishing exploits both back in England and here in Spain. He was a font of knowledge and a dab hand at fixing all sorts of broken fishing tackle. He will be sorely missed not only by his family but by the whole of the fishing community on the Costa Blanca.

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp­r­us.wee bly.com or on the Facebook page Carp­R­Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

Walking football

ESQUINA PARK Rangers Quesada, travelled to Mojacar on Saturday May 13 to compete in the Los Amigos Walking Football Charity Tournament. Esquina are the current Trophy holders from 2021. Six teams were involved from the Almeria region and also one team from the UK. Esquina desperate to retain the trophy to add to their vast collection won their five games, scoring a total of 14 goals and only conceding three. A great team effort from all the players..

If you are interested in joining the Esquina Park Rangers Football Team, please email: esquinaparkrangers2018@ yahoo.com

A great team effort.

Terry Screen was a founder member.

53 seconds – the world’s shortest flight between Scotland and the Orkneys.

Betty Henderson

IN a heartwarming development, one local charity has received a transformative grant from Caixa Bank. The Asociación Help Vega Baja’s President, Michele Masson, together with the charity’s treasurer accepted a grant of €2,000 from Gema at Caixa Bank in La Zenia on Wednesday, May 10.

Help Vega Baja’s President, Michele took to Facebook to express the charity’s delight at receiving the much­needed funding which will go towards their project in establishing a support group for caregivers.

Initially, the group plans to

Anna Ellis

A caring deposit

the community.

For those interested in joining the support group as caregivers or offering assistance in running it, please reach out directly to President Michele at: president@helpvegabaja.com or call the San Miguel Centre: 966 723 733.

hold the sessions in La Marina, in collaboration with the local town hall. If the pilot proves successful, there are aspirations to expand the project to other areas within

THE Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) Shipmates spent another exhilarating time together at Little Italy for a Menu del Dia, however, they saved having to do some ‘sea time’ by not needing to sail halfway across the Mediterranean, as this was near Cabo Roig.

The event was oversubscribed and with the restricted number of 40 Shipmates in attendance the restaurant was ‘full to the gunwales’ or in civilian terms ‘busting at the seams’.

Nevertheless, the restaurant staff coped admirably, and the food was top­notch.

Help Vega Baja provides aid and guidance to individuals of all ages in the Vega Baja area. Their services include a charity shop, a mobility equipment hire centre, and a wide range of information and advice for members and non­members alike.

40 Shipmates

The Royal Naval Association (RNA) offers Free Membership and is a UK Registered Charity number 266982.

For more information contact: Chairman, Tony Jenkins, by email: Chairman.RNATB@ mail.com, phone: at (+34) 693 866 709 or WhatsApp at (+44) 7576 117222.

Alternatively join in the fun on the first Wednesday of each month at 5.00pm at Lakeview Bar & Restaurant, Ciudad Quesada.

Help Vega Baja receives the cheque from Gema at Caixa Bank.

Photo credit: Help Vega Baja (via Facebook)

Business travel boom

SPAIN’S corporate travel industry has experienced a remarkable surge according to a report released on Friday, May 12, doubling its revenue in 2022 and setting its sights on surpassing prepandemic figures in 2023. The barometer report by Braintrust for the Spain Convention Bureau estimates a revenue total of more than €12.1 billion for 2023. The report found that more than 80 per cent of business meetings are expected to return to in­person formats during 2023, with

Betty Henderson

IN a display of solidarity with champions of democracy, the Spanish government granted citizenship to 14 Nicaraguan dissidents who were stripped of their nationality by President Daniel Ortega’s administration. The announcement came on Friday, May 12 from the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, who expressed his hope for the new Spanish citizens and praised their determination.

“Spain is a safe haven for defenders of democracy and liberty,” Albares announced in a tweet, alongside an image of him welcoming the first group of Nicaraguans who will re­

the country’s meeting spaces projected to have an average annual occupancy rate of more than 75 per cent. The report also found that the average daily spending per business traveller reached €335 in 2022, surpassing the 2019 figure of €319. Although affected by inflation, the figure is still a valuable indicator of the sector’s pandemic recovery. Business experts say that the report’s excellent findings are evidence of the value of corporate travel for the Spanish economy.

Open arms

ceive Spanish citizenship, during a meeting in Washington DC. Among the 14 recipients are notable figures including the former presidential candidate Juan Sebastián Chamorro, political leader José Antonio Peraza, activist Alex Hernández, and lawyer Hugo Rodríguez. The group represents just a fraction of the 222 dissenting politicians, journalists, human rights activists, and lawyers who were released from prison in the Central American country in February and expelled to the US.

Several other nations including Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico have also extended offers of citizenship to the group of stateless Nicaraguans.

Spanish elections

THERE will be two different elections taking place in Spain and the islands on Sunday May 28.

These are the precursors to a General Election which is likely to be held on a Sunday in December this year.

Every municipality that has its own council will be involved in the local elections whilst the regional elections are staggered with just 13 Autonomous Communities up for grabs.

These are Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla­La Mancha, Extremadura, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, La Rioja and Valencia whilst elections will also take place in Ceuta and Melilla.

In the municipal elections, 35,414,655 voters will be able to vote, including 414,581 belonging to EU countries and countries with which Spain has signed a reciprocity agreement to exercise the right to active suffrage and who have expressed their intention to vote in these elections (and this includes UK passport holders resident in Spain).

In the regional elections 18,382,505 voters will be able to vote, of which 1,046,757 are Spanish residents living abroad.

Two different elections are taking place.

In broad terms there are several political parties contesting the elections ranging from far left to far right with a number of small local candidates also taking part.

Basically, the PSOE (Socialist Party) will be fighting it out with the Partido Popular (like the UK Conservative Party) and it is more than likely that the PP may have to form alliances with the more right wing Vox Party whilst PSOE will try to obtain assistance from left wing Podemos and the less powerful centrist Ciudadanos.

The government of PSOE leader Pedro Sánchez rules thanks to a coalition with a number of other parties and independents, but all eyes will be on these two elections as they may give an idea of how the December General Election is likely to turn out.

SHUTTERSTOCK

36% of Spain is forest, that’s a staggering 18,173,000ha.

Airlines plan strike action

TRAVELLERS to Spain could face a turbulent time this summer with many Spanish airlines threatening industrial action over the holiday season. According to a report in a UK newspaper on Friday, May 12, Britons could face travel misery as over a dozen airlines are thinking about walking out.

The Spanish airline pilot union SEPLA are considering a series of strikes in a move that could affect lots of holidaymakers.

If SEPLA decides to go ahead with industrial action it could heavily impact many airlines including, Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Jet2 and Norwegian.

In addition, Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Nostrum, Air Europa, Swiftair, Plus Ultra, Eurowings and Evelop, are at high risk of being impacted.

SEPLA is concerned the cur­

rent strike action being taken is proving ineffectual, as Spanish legislation demands a minimum service even on strike days, which cancels out the impact of industrial action. SEPLA announced new action on May 22, 23, 25, 26, 29 and 30. Also, on June 1 and 2 at all airports in Spain, and warned that more strikes will follow if agreement was not reached. UK travellers can also expect more delays at the airport if fewer staff are available to stamp their passports.

Demonstrators support squatters

HUNDREDS of demonstrators took to the streets of Barcelona following calls for two protests organised, both in favour, and against the occupation of two estates next to the Plaça de la Bonanova.

The focus of both the demonstration is on the buildings, known as ‘La Ruïna’ and ‘El Kubo’, which have been occupied for years by squatters.

According to a news source on Thurs­

day, May 11, tensions have escalated due to the election campaign in Barcelona, which has put these properties under the spotlight of the right­wing parties, along with calls from the company ‘Desokupa’.

Authorities in Barcelona have deployed nearly 400 Mossos d’Esquadra officers in the area, after the calls for the protests.

Supporters of the extrajudicial evic­

tion company Desokupa marched to Bonanova square to reach the squatted buildings, while a police cordon was set up to stop them.

The pro­occupation demonstrators dressed in masks and black clothes protested on the other side of the police cordon, as the parameter was set up in order to stop both sides from clashing. Police helicopters were also flying in the area to monitor the situation.

Whale attacks

ATTACKS by pods of killer whales on boats sailing in the Strait of Gibraltar are becoming increasingly frequent.

This tension between killer whales and boats is creating a danger for crew members, as another attack was reported last weekend.

According to a news source on Sunday, May 11, two victims of the most recent attack, were sailing off the coast of Cadiz, when they were surprised by a pod of killer whales.

The two sailors named Pablo and Alfredo were in the waters off the town of Barbate in Cadiz when the whales started swimming

around the boat and smashed into the hull several times.

This resulted in them breaking the rudder of the boat before they finally left.

The presence of killer whales on the Andalucian coast is quite common, as they visit the area at the beginning of the year.

But for the past four years, their visits have become an increasingly uncomfortable reality in the area.

Their arrival in the area also coincides with the almadraba season, which is the local name for fish traps used to catch bluefin tuna off the coast of Cadiz for thousands of years.

STRIKE ACTION: Could affect many flights over the summer.

DANGEROUS: Their visits have increased over the years.

Betty Henderson

IN a highly­anticipated press conference about the oil industry on Thursday, May 11, Exolum CEO Jorge Lanza gave more details about the importation of Russian oil into Spain.

While Lanza stated that, at present, oil coming directly from Russia is not believed to be entering the country, he acknowledged the challenge of closely tracking individual molecules of oil to their origin.

Lanza conceded that this does leave room for the possibility that Russian oil could be blended with supplies from other sources.

Lanza reassured the public that the ships arriving in Spain

A RECENT survey by the Spanish Office for National Statistics asked an interesting question, ‘What is the best place in the country to live’, and the results were also fascinating!

The northern city of Vigo secured the prestigious title of Spain’s best city to live in in the survey.

Many Spanish cities offer an excellent quality of life, particu­

In the pipeline

olum’s ongoing collaboration with the government to strictly obey laws and prevent the import of oil coming from Russia.

Lanza added that Exolum does require importers to provide a declaration to say that the oil was not produced in Russia, though he accepted that this method was not foolproof.

are complying with the sanctions imposed on Russian products following the Ukrainian invasion. He also highlighted his company, Ex­

However, Lanza also added that the decision to allow ships to dock lies with port authorities, saying that Exolum’s role is primarily based around network management and storage.

Residential paradise

larly as the country recently hit the 20th spot on the coveted global Social Progress Index, but this survey aimed to find the perfect city to call home, according to Spanish residents.

The survey results, released on Thursday, May 11, captured the sentiments of more

Space odyssey

than 3,000 people living in the city’s largest 15 cities.

Vigo emerged triumphant in the survey for its excellent attributes, including activities for families, incredible safety levels, its pristine air quality, ecofriendly measures, educational opportunities, and cleanliness.

IN a groundbreaking announcement, on Friday, May 12, Spain announced it will take part in the prestigious Artemis space programme, spearheaded by the United States. The revolutionary initiative aims to create rules that will ultimately govern a permanent moon mission and that will shape the exploration of planets like Mars.

A high­ranking US official revealed the news, just before a meeting was scheduled to take place between US President Joe Biden and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, with the space mission on the agenda. The announcement comes two years after the Spanish government cre­

ated the Spanish Space Agency with its headquarters in Sevilla. The centre plays a pivotal role in coordinating Spain’s space ambitions and is also key in collaborations with global space agencies, including NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Spain joins 24 other countries that are part of the Artemis programme. Signatories to the programme commit to peaceful space exploration, sharing scientific discoveries, and the creation of ‘safe zones’ where each nation can run operations on the moon’s surface without interference.

Other signatories include the US, Japan, Australia, France and the UK.

Exolum says it is avoiding transporting Russian oil.

Photo credit: Exolum (via Facebook)

Pedro Sánchez visited an aerospace engineering centre in Huelva.

Changes for landlords

John Ensor

THE new Housing law has left many landlords wondering if they will be better or worse off, and how will it impact younger people trying to set up home.

The new law has been drawn up in over a year of negotiations and is expected to be passed before the May 28 municipal elections, according to a news source.

The main issues are the limits placed on landlords with regard to increasing the rent for their tenants and who is now responsible for monies payable to real estate agents.

Last year the government

HOUSING LAW: Landlords are now limited with regards to rent.

set up a temporary rent ceiling that will carry on throughout 2023. That limit is currently set at 2 per cent on increases to rents.

However, this will change in 2024 when the limit will be adjusted to 3 per cent.

‘Stressed’ areas will be subject to special controls regarding how rents are regulated. A ‘stressed’ area is basically an area with high rents which have forced tenants to leave.

Local authorities will decide which areas fall into the

‘stressed’ category and will review their status every three years.

The other major change are the fees payable to real estate agents. In a bid to stop legal loopholes, real estate agency fees and expenses are now the responsibility of the owner, not the tenant.

Landlords will also be prevented from increasing the tenant’s payments as a result of building work, garbage collection, or other such unagreed payments.

European medical milestone

SURGEONS in a Spanish hospital have broken new medical ground by performing the first­ever operation in Europe to successfully implant a wireless pacemaker in a baby.

The groundbreaking surgery was carried out by cardiologists in the Arrhythmia Unit of the Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe in Valencia. They were assisted by medical colleagues from the facility’s Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Services.

According to Joaquín Osca, head of the Arrhythmia Unit, the baby, weighing just one and a half kilos, had a complete congenital atrioventricular block. This caused a severe bradycardia that placed the child in a lifethreatening situation he explained.

In a statement from the Generalitat, Osca revealed that the technique to relieve the baby’s heart blockage: “required the implantation of a pacemaker to guarantee an adequate heart rate for the patient’s needs.

Stateside summit

Betty Henderson

THE Spanish President, Pedro Sánchez, travelled to Washington DC on Thursday, May 11 ahead of a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday, May 12. This highly anticipated meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between Spain and the United States and pave the way for significant agreements, including discussions about the 1966

Palomares nuclear accident in Almeria. The meeting comes at a significant moment in relations for the two countries after Spain recently agreed to a migration deal with the US, meaning that it will welcome refugees from several South and Central American countries to help the US deal with its border crisis.

Spain and Canada have both agreed to house processing centres for refugees to submit asylum applications. Other topics on the agenda included the conflict in Ukraine, climate change, EU and US relations and global democracy.

Before meeting with the President, Sánchez first headed to the Spanish Ambassador’s residence where authorities held a ceremony in honour of the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

“The implantation of a pacemaker in neonatal age is performed through a surgical access, since percutaneous implantation, the normal procedure in adults, is not possible,” he continued.

In order to perform this operation, the surgeons had to take into account that the pacemakers currently available are designed only for use in adults, which means their size is large for a neonate.

As a result, the one that was been implanted was an adaptation of the smallest existing pacemaker.

WASHINGTON: Pedro Sánchez had a meeting with Joe Biden.

1863 London’s subway is the oldest in the world.

THE luck of the Irish was smiling down on a Spanish motor cyclist on May 14 as six Dublin firefighters were heading for Malaga Airport after attending a course in Sevilla.

As they were driving along the A92 near to the town of Alcala de Guadaira which is about 17 kilometres outside of Sevilla they saw that the biker had just fallen from his motorbike so as trained personnel they sprang into action.

They set up a protected area, posted signs and got on with finding what they could do to help the middle­aged biker who was unconscious, with multiple injuries and couldn’t breathe.

The team of paramedics managed to stabilise the in­

Good Samaritans

Bologknese for dinner

John Ensor

LIKE something from a weird horror movie, a well ­ known Spanish influencer fed her boyfriend spaghetti bolognese that actually contained part of her own knee.

jured man so that he could start to breathe which they believe saved him from potential respiratory failure and a cardiac arrest.

THE President of Barcelona Tourism wants to extend the tourist tax that people already pay when they stay in accommodation in Barcelona. He says he wants to extend the tax to other areas of tourism. But his plan has hit a wall.

The Barcelona Restaurant Association has said they will refuse to put a tax on clients because they don’t serve tourists and residents will end up paying as well.

A team from the Spanish Emergency Service arrived shortly afterwards and took over the situation and he was rushed to hospital.

Hopefully, when he recovers, he will be delighted to discover that six strangers from Ireland were able to save his life.

Refusing to tax tourists

Roger Pallerols, the director of the Barcelona Restaurant Association which represents around 3,000 bars and restaurants in the city said that his members have flatly refused to cooperate.

Tourists coming into Barcelona on cruise ships and those staying in tourist

accommodation currently have to pay a daily rate. But costs are set to rise with a payment of €3.25 a night for any cruise or establishment from 2024. Meanwhile, the bars and restaurants in the city have said it would be impossible to ask for the passports of every person.

Paula Gonu from Spain has over 228,00 followers on social media and recently confessed to eating part of her knee which she cooked into a spaghetti bolognese, according to a news source on Wednesday, May 10.

Thirty ­ year ­ old Paula Gonu explained about her recent knee surgery, which was performed under local anaesthetic. The glamorous model and influencer remained awake throughout the whole procedure and asked the surgeon to explain everything as it went along.

Gonu watched the

whole grisly event live on a screen. As the minor operation neared its end the doctor surprised her by asking if she wanted a little souvenir and asked her if she would like to keep the cartilage he had removed.

Things took a bizarre twist about a week later when Gonu was having a laugh with her boyfriend and the thought of eating her own knee cartilage popped into her mind.

She told him, “I told him I wanted to eat it because it was part of me, and I had to put it back in my body.”

She then explained how she made a spaghetti bolognese and added the cartilage to the sauce before both she and her boyfriend settled down to enjoy dinner.

Credit: Emergencias Sevilla

MOTOR CYCLIST: Irish paramedics saved the man’s life.

Air taxi seeks licence

THE first air taxi firm to operate in the Balearics is hoping to start its service in 2024.

The company, NetxNorth are awaiting authorisation from the European Union Agency for Aviation Safety to operate on the islands.

The aircraft resemble manned drones. They land and take off vertically and will have the capacity to fly with five passengers.

Prices will start at €90.

NetxNorth has taken its experience from the service it provided at the

Qatar World Cup and has decided to establish itself on the Balearic Islands to offer an air taxi service with electric aircraft.

The flights will be internal and also connect the islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menor ­

ca. It is an alternative to using air routes, boats and roads.

But because the flights will operate outside conventional airports and aerodromes, NetxNorth needs a mandatory authorisation from the European Union Agency for Aviation Safety (EASA).

This is hoped to be achieved in 2024.

NetxNorth wants to become one of the leading companies in the new last ­ mile aviation and offer its customers a new form of mobility that will allow the public to save up to 80 per cent travel time by booking intra ­ island and inter ­ island flights as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

At the moment whilst waiting for permission to use the electric planes NetxNorth are operating conventional helicopters to offer an air taxi service from bases in Ibiza and Menorca.

Social security strikes

FOR the first time in history, workers at Spanish social security centres will go on strike after the CC OO and CSIF unions called for industrial action.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, May 11, union officials blamed their action on: “the deterioration of one of the public services with the greatest demand from the public.”

“The lack of personnel, the ageing of the workforce, the delay in the management of benefits and the non ­ compliance with laws and agreements regarding personnel force us to call the first strike in the history of this organisation,” they said.

Innovative cancer treatment

A NEW treatment announced by Alicante Hospital should increase the chances of survival in women with ovarian cancer.

The new technique involves performing surgery to remove the tumour and then whilst still in surgery, treating the area with high­temperature chemotherapy to destroy any cancer cells that are left over after the operation.

The use of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is said to have produced good results. Until recently, patients could only be offered palliative treatment, such as peritoneal carcinomatosis, which is used when cancer has spread to other organs.

Doctor Josefina Marcos of the General Hospital of Alicante said: “In ovarian cancer, it is not possible to do a screening and that means by the time the patient is experiencing symptoms the tumour is already at an advanced stage.”

The estimated risk of developing ovarian cancer is one in 130 women and the highest incidence is between 50 and 75 years of age. Between 70 and 80 per cent of cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage (stages III and IV).

Patients will be evaluated to see if they will benefit from the new technique, or another one called PIPAC where chemotherapy is applied by aerosol.

Strike action will take place every Friday in May, from 10.30am to 11.30am, followed by a 24 ­ hour strike in September according to the union statement.

They criticised the ‘lack of commitment’ by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations, José Luis Escrivá, claiming it has caused a ‘chaotic’ situation in which they can only ‘raise the level of demand’.

The union also complained about the lack of measures for the organisation of human resources, through the creation of the Social Security Agency.

They highlighted the problems with everything related to remote work, work calendar, training, prevention, productivity, action social security, provision of jobs, application of additional funds, internal promotion, partial retirement, job stability and public employment offer.

Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations.

AIR TAXI: The aircraft resembles manned drones.

€2.19 billion for drought

IN an effort to alleviate the current drought conditions currently affecting around 80 per cent of Spanish territory, the Council of Ministers on Thursday, May 11, approved a package of measures worth £2.19 billion.

The objective is to alleviate the situation in Spain by focusing on two key areas: direct support to the primary sector and the promotion of hydraulic works.

Teresa Ribera and Luis Planas, the ministers of Eco­

logical Transition, and of Agriculture, respectively, presented this latest package, accompanied by Isabel Rodríguez, the Government Spokesperson.

They detailed the actions to be carried out in each field, highlighting the fact that this is unprecedented. In the case of the works, the ministers said they hoped to accelerate the plans in order to improve access to water.

With regard to the primary sector, direct aid worth €636

million has been approved. From this total, €355 million will be allocated for livestock, with €276.7 million going to agriculture, and €5 million to beekeeping.

Another €53 million will also be returned for the 2023 IBI, a measure that will benefit around 200,000 farms, as reported by a news source.

Aid for contracting agricultural insurance against drought has also increased. A total of €40.48 million will be contributed to this objective.

Gas cylinder at lowest level

ON Tuesday, May 16, the maximum retail price of a butane gas cylinder in Spain dropped once more. As published in the Official Gazette of State (BOE), the price fell by 4.9 per cent, to €15.96.

According to the calculations provided by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, for the two last months, the cost stood

at €16.79 per bottle. The new price will be the lowest since July 2021.

This latest reduction is due to a sharp drop in the price of raw materials, which fell by 25.8 per cent. To a lesser extent, the appreciation of the euro against the dollar by 0.9 per cent also played a part. Cushioned by the existing surplus, it increased by €0.97 per bottle to €1.76.

The maximum sale price of bottled liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) in containers of between 8 and 20 kilos ­ the traditional butane bottle ­ is not free but is reviewed bimonthly on the third Tuesday of the month.

Each new price is calculated based on the cost of the raw material in international markets. It also takes into account the price of transportation.

Football legend dead at 86

FERRAN OLIVELLA , a Barcelona player for 13 years has died at the age of 86.

The footballer captained Spain in the Euros final against Russia in 1964 as well as winning two league titles and a further two European titles during his career with Barcelona.

When he retired from football he served as club director until his retirement between 1989 and 1993.

Olivella was born in Barcelona and signed for the youth team when he was 17.

He made his first footballing appearances at second ­ division side España Industrial, but he was soon taken on at Camp Nou.

During his career, he played 509 games for Barcelona who won the league titles in 1959 and 1960.

He also played 18 times for Spain including the victory against Russia at Madrid’s ground, Santiago Bernabeu in what was the second edition of the then European Nations Cup.

He was also picked for the World Cup squad in 1966, but in the year, England won the cup, the Spanish

team didn’t qualify as they went out after the group stage.

Barcelona posted its condolences on social media saying: “FC Barcelona wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ferran Olivella, a former club player between 1956 and 1969. Rest in peace.”

Real Madrid also expressed their condolences as did the Real Federation Española de Futbol.

FERRAN OLIVELLA: During his career he played 509 games for Barcelona.

No video message

A change in voting Brit killed

LABOUR shadow business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds has revealed Labour are considering plans to allow EU emigrants who live in the UK permanently and 16 and 17 ­ year ­ olds to vote in UK elections for the first time.

Reynolds said Labour were: “always looking at ways to strengthen our democracy, to involve as many people [as] possible in that, and there’ll be an element of that, reform of how this country operates, how power is shared, in the Labour manifesto, that’s for sure.”

If the plans became policy it would affect about 3.4 million EU nationals who have settled in the UK.

Quizzed on the plans on a news programme, Reynolds said: “It’s not an area I directly deal with in the shadow cabinet.

“I’m not going to give a definitive answer on that, but I think we should always be seeking to involve as many people as possible in our democracy.

“It’s something we will look at, but some of the reports, I’ve got to stress they’re not the final plans for the Labour manifesto.

“I don’t think any changes to how the British state works, how democracy works, should ever be considered through any kind of party political lens.”

PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelenskyy had his request to send a video message to the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool blocked by the event’s organisers the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said on Friday May 12.

The EBU, of which the BBC are a member, comprises numerous broadcasters from around Europe. They made it clear from the very beginning of the contest, this was a non­political and purely for­entertainment event.

Ukraine, who won the competition last year during their ongoing attack by Russia, would by rights have been the host this year, as per Eurovision tradition. But due to the military crisis, last year’s runners­up, the UK, took on hosting duties.

With the EBU sticking closely to their guidelines and declining President Zelenskyy’s request, noted politicians and celebrities came out in response to the decision on Twitter:

“@HuwMerriman MP says he is disappointed President Zelenskyy has been blocked from making an address at Eurovision but says it is down to European broadcast rules.” Ex­prime minister Boris Johnson said: “It would have been right to hear from President Zelenskyy at the #Eurovision. There is only one reason the contest is not in Ukraine and that is because of Putin’s illegal war.”

Sweden was the overall winner at the contest held on Saturday evening with the UK entry coming second last.

A BRITISH man who volunteered to fight against the Russian forces in Ukraine has died after spending a year on the frontline in Ukraine.

According to official reports, cited by a news source on Thursday, May 11, his death was confirmed by Ukraine’s International Legion.

The 52­year­old fighter named Jay Morais reportedly lost his life at a hospital in Kharkiv, after he was involved for months fighting in Severodonetsk and Bakhmut, in the region of Donbas. In a previous statement, Morais had said he was “not brave just wired different,” adding that when he was fighting, it stopped him feeling scared.

As per his fiancee, Lidiya Martynovaa, the funeral was held for him in Ukraine, and he was given military honours. It has also been reported that half of his ashes were laid at a cemetery in Ukraine, and the rest have been sent home to his family in the UK.

Martynovaa said “Jay was a very special guy, beautiful and crazy at the same time.”

EUROVISION: The Ukrainian president was not allowed to send a video message.

Prescription service extended

PATIENTS across Britain will be able to get prescriptions from pharmacies, rather than the doctor for seven conditions. People who are suffering from sinusitis, impetigo, earache, shingles, sore throat, infected insect bites and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) can now get prescriptions to treat the conditions from pharmacies.

The reforms were set out in a Primary Care Plan on Tuesday May 9 by the government and NHS England. They have been designed to help free up 15 million GP appointments over the next two years. Data shows that 24 million consultations have taken place over the past five months with an average waiting time for an appointment being a fortnight.

But not everyone is in agreement. Experts said not all pharmacies would

be able to offer all or any of the new services. This would mean patients would end up back at their GP.

Pharmacies will also now offer ac­

cess to blood pressure checks and women who use oral contraception can attend the pharmacy rather than speaking to a practice nurse or GP.

Rod Stewart sued by fans

John Ensor

FANS of Rod Stewart got more than they bargained for when they suffered injuries at the hands, or rather feet, of

the star himself.

Sir Rod Stewart has confessed he’s had to stop one of his favourite concert stunts after being sued twice by fans

who suffered injuries according to reports in an American journal. During his gigs, Rod would give fans the chance to bag themselves a rare sou­

Jewellery auction

JEWELLERY worn by the Late Princess Diana is to be auctioned on June 27 with part of the proceeds used to help rebuild war­torn Ukraine.

Princess Diana wore the jewellery in her last official engagement at the Royal Albert Hall in June 1997 for a performance of Swan Lake, according to a news source, just weeks before her fatal car crash in Paris.

The ‘Swan Lake Suite’ jewellery was allegedly a gift from Dodi Al­Fayed and is believed to be the only personal jewellery she owned to have been put up for sale.

One hundred and seventy­eight diamonds valued at 51 carats, together with five matching South Sea pearls make up the necklace, along with earrings which were made after her tragic death.

A Ukrainian family currently owns the jewellery after acquiring the set in 2008. However, owing to the war in their homeland they have had no option but to put the iconic jewellery up for auction.

Their hope is that some of the money will go towards rebuilding Ukraine once hostilities have ceased.

New York auctioneers, Guernsey’s have valued the set between £4m and £11m.

No licence for 50 years

venir, a signed football.

The Celtic­mad rock star would sign footballs before booting them high into the air for eager fans to nab, but has now decided to give it up after it earned him two red cards. The 78­year­old­rocker admitted, “I got one or two lawsuits. In fact, when I got to the Hollywood Bowl last year, a dear friend who came all the way over to see me got smashed in the face with a ball.”

Nowadays, he only allows female members of his band to throw the signed footballs.

OFFICERS from Derbyshire police pulled a car over on Saturday, May 8.

The driver had committed several offences but when police asked to see the 69­year­old’s driving licence he admitted he had never passed his test.

But he obviously had a conscience because he made sure the car was insured by tricking the insurance companies into thinking he had a licence.

According to one insurance company he had even made a claim after an

accident. A statement from Derby police on Twitter said: “The driver of this vehicle has never passed a test despite being 69 years of age and having been driving for over 50 years.

“He has systematically provided details to insurance companies indicating that he had a licence but the flaw in his dastardly plan was bragging.

“His long reign came to an abrupt end once we found out. Vehicle seized and driver reported for numerous offences.”

PHARMACIES: Will now be able to issue prescriptions and offer other services.

G7 support for Kyiv

Tipped to be new Bond

SINCE the departure of Daniel Craig as James Bond there has been much speculation as to who will take over the famous role, but it seems a frontrunner has now emerged.

A leading bookmaker has announced that 32­year­old British actor, Aaron Taylor­Johnson is their hot tip, following a sudden surge in bets they have just taken, according to a news source on Friday May 12.

Since then Coral noted a scramble to place bets on the High Wycombe­born actor to become the new 007.

In fact, the odds of Taylor­Johnson be­

coming Bond are now 2­1, following a successful screen test at Pinewood in front of Barbara Broccoli, head of the James Bond franchise.

Many other well­known names have been associated with the vacant 007 seat including, Tom Hardy, James Norton, Idris Elba and Richard Madden who all at one time have been lined up to replace fivetime Bond star Daniel Craig.

Aaron’s previous roles have included TV roles in Casualty and The Bill and film roles such as the lead character in Kick­Ass. He subsequently appeared in a host of Marvel films.

AS Germany prepared to send a €2.7 billion arms package to Ukraine, the G7 vowed on Saturday May 13, to up their support in a bid to end the war.

The G7 group, containing seven of the most economically advanced nations in the world, vowed on Saturday in Niigata, Japan, its continued support for Ukraine and for sanctions against Russia.

The summit has seen bank chiefs and ministers of finance vow to help countries suffering

from debt, high inflation and on a more individual level, the swollen cost of living. Further to this, they hope to build more diverse supply chains that offer greater stability.

And stability they believe requires an end to the war in Ukraine, with aid to the wartorn nation expected to increase to $44 billion moving into 2024.

It could be construed though that more military aid may not be the solution to ending a war, as a news

source reported on Twitter:

“The UK has been threatened with a military response by Russia after pledging to send long­range missiles to Ukraine.

As more opposition mounts to Russia, there will undoubtedly come such threats of retaliation. Further to this, China, which hasn’t presented a firm position on where it stands, has been known to be an ally to Russia and may choose yet to supply them with reinforcements.

Archbishop caught speeding

JUST days after crowning a new king, the archbishop of Canterbury was convicted of speeding.

On Wednesday, May 10, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby was convicted in a private hearing for breaking the speed limit, as well as three penalty points on his licence. He also has to foot a whopping £510 bill for legal fees, ac­

cording to a news source.

This comes just days after the eyes of the world saw the 67 ­ year ­ old Church of England leader conduct the historic coronation of King Charles III.

The incident occurred on October 2, 2022, when he was clocked by a speed camera, driving along the Albert Embankment, central London in his VW Golf

towards Lambeth Palace.

After the camera footage was assessed, the Metropolitan Police contacted the archbishop, who confessed he was behind the wheel at the time.

The speed limit along the embankment is 20mph, which was imposed three years ago, and his Grace was spotted doing 25mph.

G7 GROUP: Vowed to continue its support for Ukraine and for sanctions against Russia.

ELCHE’S highly anticipated Street Food Market returns from Friday, May 19 until Sunday, May 21 inviting the community to embark on a multicultural culinary journey around the world at Paseo de la Estacion.

Nestled along the picturesque palm tree­lined esplanade, next to Elche Parque Municipal this gastronomic

Feast and beats

extravaganza promises delicious treats to suit all tastes.

Announcing the event last week, organisers say that this year’s eighth edition of the event will feature 14 different food trucks with dishes from countries including the US,

Colombia, Venezuela, Thailand and Mexico.

The array of food trucks will line up along the esplanade, each boasting its own distinct cuisine and offering delicious dishes cooked right before guests’ eyes.

The event isn’t just about food, it will also feature an enchanting market with 18

stalls offering unique craft products and jewellery. There will also be a stage for children’s entertainment, complete with magic shows and live music.

Another highlight of the event is a live music stage featuring performances by The Liverpool Band and Billy Boom Band.

Whether you missed it last time, or are hungry for more, the event promises to be unmissable!

Pawsome fashion

A GLAMOROUS event in Torrevieja is set to raise funds for a deserving local cause, Big Reds Animal Association.

All are invited to a charity fashion show and fair at the Bar Marina at Torreta 2 in Torrevieja from 2pm on Friday, May 19. Guests can explore a wide array of fabulous clothes at unbeatable prices on the racks as well as a charming mini market offering unique trinkets, artisan products and cakes and sweet treats.

And when it’s time for a break, guests can treat themselves to a scrumptious cream tea or indulge in one of the delectable grazing boards available at the venue.

Later, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sight of the charity’s models strutting their stuff around the pool at the bar. To add to the event, the talented Melissa and other DJs will be there to entertain.

There will also be a fantastic raffle, where guests have the chance to win exciting prizes including meal vouchers, beauty treatments, hair makeovers, and clothes vouchers.

Guests can call 965 705 907 or 608 089 520 to book a table at the event.

Broadway bliss

STUDIO 32 theatre group is thrilled to announce their unmissable summer production of the beloved musical, ‘Hello Dolly’. The studio’s talented actors will take to the stage for four evening performances of the show, from Wednesday, May 31.

Set in the 1890s, the joyous and heartwarming show follows Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker, as she embarks on a journey to find a match for the miserly ‘half­a­millionaire’ Horace Vandergelder in Yonkers, New York. Along the way, she discovers her own romantic interests and pairs up several couples.

The theatre studio, based in the Quesada region, will debut the show at San Fulgencio theatre on Wednesday, May 31, when it will run for four consecutive nights.

Directed by Kevin Spicer, with musical direction by Nicole Casey and choreography by Lindsey Kendall

Walker, Studio 32’s ‘Hello Dolly’ showcases local talent, bringing the charming characters to life on stage.

To book tickets online, visit www.studiothirtytwo.org, email tickets@studiothirty two.org, or call Linda: 679 062 272. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at The Post Box in Dona Pepa or Quesada Tech. Tickets cost €12 for each show and as usual, proceeds will go towards local charities.

The cast bring the 1890s to life with ‘Hello Dolly’.

Photo credit: Studio 32 (via email)

Unusual campaign

THE local elections in Albania took place on Sunday May 14 and The Socialist Party of Albania had made an impressive move by allocating part of their campaign budget to plant trees in every city across the country.

Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama stated that his and his party’s aim is to seed the future for the generations to come, by leaving something good behind after these elections. Thus, the slogan ‘Only Forward. Never Backwards’.

He added that citizens are tired of negativity

ITALIAN police have dealt another powerful blow to the notorious ‘Ndrangheta mafia with another 61 high­profile arrests in a groundbreaking operation across seven regions announced on Wednesday, May 10.

The charges against these al­

and harsh rhetoric in every election campaign, and that his party doesn’t need to pollute the social environment of the citizens of Albania with all the shouting, the bullying, and the political games, unlike his opponents. Instead, the party is taking a long­term view, demonstrating a commitment to the well­being of Albanian citizens.

“We have decided to have a minimal appearance of large screens, pompous scenes, and advertising materials,” Rama explained at the campaign launching event.

Cuffing crime

leged criminals are staggering: fraud, drug trafficking, government infiltration, and extortion of local farmers. More than 500 police officers were involved in the operation, targeting a total of 167 individuals.

This meticulously planned sting is part of an ongoing offensive against the ‘Ndrangheta’s grip on Italy. In a record­breaking multinational effort and follows last week’s development where over 100 arrests were made across Europe, and more than €25 million in assets was seized.

Scores of underworld kingpins and corrupt officials are currently in jail, while others await trial. The Calabria­based ‘Ndrangheta operates as Italy’s most powerful mafia, stretching its influence across 40 countries.

Italian and Belgian investigators have also uncovered damning evidence of the syndicate’s drug smuggling operations, moving 25,000 kilograms of cocaine worth over €22 million between Calabria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and South America.

Party for world’s oldest dog

THERE was a big party held on Saturday May 13 in Portugal as the world’s oldest living dog celebrated his birthday.

Guinness World Records announced last week that Bobi turned the grand old age of 31, on May 11.

Bobi, Born on May 11, 1992, is officially the world’s oldest dog ever, a title held previously by an Aussie cattle dog named Bluey who lived to be 29 years old.

Bobi is a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo breed and has lived all his life in the village of Conqueiros, Portugal.

Leonel Costa, who owns Bobi, confirmed it was a ‘very traditional’ Portuguese party, with even a

dance troupe performing. Bobi, who does not eat dog food, was served locally­sourced fish and meat.

Over 100 guests were expected to attend, with many jetting from overseas for Bobi’s special day.

Leonel attributes Bobi’s old age to a life lived in a ‘calm, peaceful environ­

ment,’ where he has been free to roam without a chain or leash.

As with anyone of advanced years, Bobi struggles to walk nowadays, and owing to poor eyesight often bumps into things when he walks. After a meal, he always takes a snooze.

BOBI: After a meal, he always takes a snooze.

1m people in the UK switched to decaffeinated drinks in the past year.

Betty Henderson

JEWISH organisations across the world have expressed their dismay over a jewel sale which took place on Wednesday, May 10. The extraordinary collection of jewels, valued at a staggering €137 million, once belonged to the late billionaire, Heidi Horten.

The outrage stems from the murky origins of Horten’s husband’s fortune, which was amassed during the dark days of Nazi Germany. Helmut Horten, a German tycoon and former member of the Nazi party, acquired businesses from persecuted Jewish owners in 1930’s Germany.

Despite the unsettling associ­

Tainted treasures

90­carat ‘Briolette of India’ diamond necklace by Harry Winston and the exquisite Sunrise Ruby ring by Cartier, valued at a staggering €18 million.

While Christie’s said it would contribute the proceeds to charity, Jewish groups demanded the auction to be halted.

ation, Christie’s auction house decided to proceed with the sale, featuring 700 breathtaking pieces, including the renowned

IN a heartwarming tale of generosity, one of Italy’s wealthiest individuals, Patrizio Bertelli, has come to the rescue of a historic newsstand in the charming Tuscan town of Arezzo.

The newsstand, which has been an integral part of the town since 1953, belonged to Piero Scartoni, a sprightly 91­year­old with a passion for journalism.

Finally, after decades of tireless dedication, Scartoni can bid farewell to early mornings and retire, thanks to the intervention of his former customer turned saviour, Patrizio Bertelli, one of the visionaries behind Prada, and husband of Miuccia Prada.

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a prominent Jewish human rights organisation, wrote a scathing letter to Christie’s, denouncing the sale as a distressing seizure of profits generated through the Nazis’ abhorrent ‘aryanization’ policies.

Prada power

In an interview on Wednesday, May 10, Scartoni fondly reminisced, “Bertelli was a special customer, buying stacks of newspapers and magazines during the 60s and 70s. I am absolutely delighted he has saved my beloved newsstand.”

Despite being eligible for retirement since 1996, Scartoni soldiered on, supported by his daughter, Cristiana. But with his advancing age, Scartoni acknowledged that it was time to bid farewell to his cherished trade. “I’m almost 100, so I should really stop,” he admitted with a hint of resignation.

Horten wearing the opulent ‘Briolette of India’ diamond necklace.

Photo credit: Christie’s (online)

A Race against time

Betty Henderson

THE serene Swiss village of Brienz became the centre of a high­stakes evacuation operation from Tuesday, May 9 as authorities feared an imminent catastrophe caused by an impending rockslide. Residents were instructed to urgently evacuate their homes by evening on Friday, May 12. The residents were forced to flee their homes due to the looming threat of a rockfall, of a colossal mass of Alpine rock totalling a staggering two million cubic metres.

At a recent town hall meeting, local leaders revealed that geologists had ob­

AS she prepares to leave office, Finland’s Prime Minister, Sanna Marin, has also announced that she is divorcing her husband Markus Raikkonen.

In an Instagram story on Wednesday, May 10, the leader expressed her gratitude for the couple’s 19 years of shared memories and the love they built together. Amidst the divorce proceedings, the pair remain committed to

served a rapid acceleration in local rock movement. The unsettling prognosis suggested that within seven to 24 days, up to

two million cubic metres of rock material could collapse or slide, endangering lives and properties.

Situated in the picturesque Graubünden region, Brienz is a historic village known for its unique blend of German and Romansch cultures. However, the village has experienced an alarming increase in rock movement over the past two decades, with the landslide now progressing at a rate of approximately one metre per year. Experts continue to investigate countermeasures but have already ruled out controlled explosions or protective walls due to impracticality.

Parting ways

their five­year­old daughter.

This revelation comes at a critical moment for Marin, who is set to leave office following her party’s defeat in the recent general election. The centre ­ left coalition, under her leadership, faced a nail ­ biting race against

the National Coalition Party and the right ­ wing populist Finns Party, ultimately losing by a narrow margin.

At just 37 years old, Sanna Marin made history as the world’s youngest prime minister when she assumed office in 2019. Her tenure garnered im ­

mense public support, particularly for her deft handling of the Covid ­ 19 crisis and successful navigation of Finland’s path to NATO membership.

As the Finnish government enters a caretaker phase, Ms Marin’s departure marks the end of an era. The race for a new government is underway, and her successor is expected to be appointed by June.

War on Wagner

IN a bold move, France is urging the European Union to officially designate Russia’s notorious Wagner mercenary group as a ‘terrorist organisation’. In a groundbreaking resolution passed by the French parliament on Wednesday, May 10, lawmakers announced their deep concerns about Wagner.

Calling for the EU to change its stance, French lawmaker Benjamin Haddad explained that Wagner members are not an average mercenary group. He described them as strategically advancing Putin’s aggressive policies, spreading violence, and engaging in heinous acts with impunity.

Wagner’s anti­French propaganda campaigns in Africa, particularly in Mali, have raised alarm bells.

France hopes its call will inspire all 27 EU members to list Wagner as a ‘terrorist organisation’. The Ukrainian

President Zelenskiy praised France’s decision, urging global unity in the face of terrorism.

Following the French decision, the UK said it will also take action. The Home Office has been building a case against Wagner, and soon, it could become a criminal offence to support or associate with the group on British soil.

This coordinated effort against Wagner marks a turning point in the international fight against terrorism, with France leading the charge.

BRIENZ: The picturesque village was facing evacuation.

65% of Brits over 60 still prefer to watch traditional TV channels.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Bingo bust

A COPENHAGAN court ruled in favour of the country’s official gambling regulator who found that a local association had offered illegal bingo and banko games for several years. The club, not a non-profitmaking organisation, was fined €2,014 while the authorities impounded a further €671,248.

THE NETHERLANDS

Less snow

THE Netherlands had under-average snowfall for the 10th consecutive winter, snowing on only 13 days between mid-autumn and midspring, instead of the habitual average of 20 days. The last time the Netherlands had more snow than usual was in 2013, when snow was registered on 34 days.

BELGIUM

Bombs away

A 30-KILO bomb that was approximately 60 centimetres long and 25 centimetres wide was detonated on the beach at Koksijde during ongoing work to rid the beach of explosives dating back to the Second World War. The beach was closed as a crew carried out a controlled explosion.

GERMANY

Hot topic

GERMANS assure pollsters that they are concerned about the climate crisis and the consequences of global warming. Nevertheless, opposition to the Economics and Climate ministry’s new home-heating law revealed that they are reluctant to modify lifestyles or pay higher prices to curb emissions

FRANCE

Drought crisis

THE Pyrenees-Orientales coastal region’s drought is officially classed as a crisis, with the River Agly practically dried-up since the middle of March. Restrictions to save as much of the tourist-dependent area’s drinking water as possible include a ban on car-washing, watering gardens and filling swimming pools.

NORWAY

Early settlers

ELISE, an eight-year-old girl from Vestland, went to pick up a piece of glass while playing near her school but instead found an interesting piece of stone. She showed to her teacher, who contacted the county council whose archaeologists confirmed that it was a Stone Age dagger created 3,700 years ago.

FINLAND

On record

FINLAND’S new canine register finally opened on May 7 following a delay of several months owing to technical problems. By 4pm that same day the system run by the Finnish Food Authority had registered around 4,000 dogs, following which they will eventually be microchipped.

IRELAND

Double identity

AIDAN BYRNE, 75, who used his dead brother’s identity to claim more than €93,000 in benefits, was jailed for two and a half years by a Donegal court. He hoodwinked the social welfare system with a birth certificate belonging to his brother, Anthony, who died in a 1972 drowning accident in England.

ITALY

Flat rate

THE super-rich are moving to Italy to enjoy financial benefits introduced in 2017. In exchange for an annual fee of €100,000 those taking up residency are exempt from paying tax on income generated overseas. The initiative also extends to family members for a yearly payment of €25,000 per person.

PORTUGAL

Close friends

PORTUGAL and Spain’s a new Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, which confirms their shared values, came into force on May 11. Both governments explained that the new agreement also updates the 1977 Treaty, which played a crucial role in Portugal and Spain’s parallel development as democracies.

UKRAINE

Cyberwarfare

UKRAINIAN communications have been subjected for years to slick and inventive cyberattacks from Russia and Ukraine has increasingly hit back, particularly since last year’s invasion. Now security firm Malwarebytes have tracked a new group operating against both Ukraine and Russia whose motives “are still unclear.”

SWEDEN

Taking charge

SWEDEN will make history opening the world’s first permanently electrified stretch of road in 2025 on the E20 road near Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo. The electric road system (ERS) will enable electric vehicles to recharge on the move, enabling them to travel greater distances between charging stations.

FINANCE

STAT OF WEEK €36.5 million

is the amount of Ryanair’s order for 300 Boeing aircraft, the first 150 of which will be delivered by 2025 with a further 150 ready between 2027 and 2033.

Cheaper butter

TESCO, Aldi and Lidl are following Sainsbury’s lead by lowering the price of their own­brand salted and unsalted butter from £1.99 (€2.29) to £1.89 (€2.17) for a 250­gramme pack while also cutting the price of ownbrand bread. Meanwhile, Asda and Morrison have yet to follow suit.

Tesla choice

TESLA chose Barcelona­based Holaluz to install Powerwall home batteries in Spain, an integrated battery system which stores solar energy for backup protection so that power stays on when the grid goes down. The system detects outages and automatically recharges with sunlight to keep appliances running for days.

Sporting chance

JD SPORTS plans to acquire French sportswear retailer Courir for €520 million, which includes paying €325 million via existing cash resources, and taking on a €195 million debt. The London ­ listed sportswear giant revealed that it did not expect to complete the deal before the second half of this year.

Tax break

SPAIN’S tax authority Hacienda announced a 25 per cent income tax (IRPF) reduction on the net yield of 828,000 drought­affected agricultural growers and livestock farmers. The measure applies to their 2022 tax declarations for those using the module system, the country’s official state bulletin (BOE) confirmed.

Lift-off

MELROSE INDUSTRIES’ shares soared after outstripping expectations and announcing that it would focus on the aerospace industry after de­merging its automotive business. It expects fullyear sales of between £3.35 and £3.45 billion (€3.8 and €4 billion), well within the company­compiled £3.4 (€3.9 million) estimate.

Linda Hall

A POLITICAL party’s proposal to create a chain of publicly­owned supermarkets would be unworkable, Spain’s Manufacturers and Distributors Association (AECOC) said.

The Podemos party’s scheme was “out of touch with reality,” it was “posttruth” and “contributed nothing,” AECOC’s director general Jose Maria Bonmatí declared.

He also lamented that Podemos’s secretary general Ione Belarra had labelled food distribution bosses as “capos.”

Spain’s National Statistics’ Institute (INE) announced that prices rose by 16.5 per

Not a good idea

report emphasised.

BUSINESS EXTRA Scam amends

“A public supermarket would contribute nothing in a sector that is enormously complex,” Bonmati said, speaking in Madrid on May 9. “Many links are involved and it must be taken into account this is a sector with a great deal of competition.

BANK customers refused scam refunds are receiving sizeable payouts after referring cases to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

cent in March, and Belarra’s latest outburst had irritated the sector, Bonmatí explained, as prices had risen owing to higher costs and their profit margins had suffered.

Government figures submitted to the European

THREE water company chiefs have rejected their bonuses this year.

Nicola Shaw (Yorkshire Water), Sarah Bentley (Thames Water) and Susan Davy (South West Water) have all recognised the public’s anger over the amount of dumped sewage that has reached Britain’s rivers and coastal waters. She understood the “strength of feeling,” Nicola Shaw said on announc ing that she would not accept her first bonus since joining the com pany in May last year. This would have been between £600,000 (€691,671) and £800,000 (€922,072) based on Yorkshire Water’s annual accounts.

“It just did not feel like the right thing to take performance­related pay this

Grifols change

BARCELONA­based pharmaceutical company Grifols announced executive chairman Thomas Glanzmann as its new chief executive.

The founding family’s move arrived at a difficult time for the multinational group, which manufactures medicines using blood plasma, but was badly hit during the pandemic due to shortages in supplies.

Glanzmann, who served on the board as vice­chairman since 2017, was named chairman in February after Steven F Mayer’s resignation as Grifols’ executive chairman on “health and personal” grounds.

The former co­CEOs from the Grifols family will remain on the board, but in new roles.

commission have demonstrated that 95 per cent of Spain’s food inflation was the result of the higher price of imported raw materials in 2022.

The steep rise was not due to internal problems in the food supply chain, the

The AECOC chief also maintained that there were “all kinds of commercial offers” in Spain and that the consumer had an “enormous capacity” to choose.

“I can’t see that this proposal would contribute much of value, not when there are so many operators who offer affordable products,” Bonmatí concluded.

Bosses forgo bonuses

year,” said Sarah Bentley who last year received £496,000 (€571,714) while Thames Water’s chief financial officer, Alastair Cochran, who received £298,000 (€343,442, also turned down 23 payout.

“This is the right thing to do. We’re listening to our customers, we get it,” said Susan Davy, whose company spilled untreated sewage 37,649 times last

Deloitte audit probed

THE UK’s Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is investigating Deloitte in connection with its audit of Joules’ 2021 accounts.

Clothing company Joules called in the administrators in November, endangering 1,600 jobs and 132 shops, after failing to secure emergency funding.

Creditors, who included HM Revenue and Customs, suppliers and staff, were owed more than £100 million (€115.2 million), according to a statement from the administrators.

The following month, fashion and homeware retailer Next came to the rescue in a £41 million (€47.2 million) deal that saved 100 shops and 1,450 jobs by teaming up with Joules’ founder Tom Joule.

Accountancy watchdog FRC revealed that it has opened an investigation relating to Deloitte’s audit of Joules’ accounts up to the year ending in May 2021 without stating the reason for its investigation.

year. Davy runs Pennon Group, owner of South West Water, and has turned down a pay rise for the last two years.

Chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water, Emma Clancy, applauded the executives’ decisions.

“Our recent research, Bridging the Gap, shows bonuses add to people’s current frustration with the water industry,” she said. “This announcement shows people’s concerns are being listened to.”

The Financial Times reported on May 8 that Britain’s privatised water and sewage companies paid £1.4 billion (€1.6 billion) in dividends in 2022, an increase from £540 million (€662.2 million) in 2021.

Another Zara

ANTONIO CATALAN, president of AC Hotels by Marriott, will make use of smaller hotels.

Teleworking has considerably reduced the volume of business tourism, Catalán recently told a news interviewer.

“It’s necessary to find an alternative use for the hotels that depended on this type of activity,” he said.

He hopes to create a low­cost brand, “a Zara of hotels,” Catalán revealed.

It now remains for him to convince Marriott, he said, explaining that he would use as an example the evolution of Armani from an elitist and exclusive label into a brand that included Armani Jeans, Emporio Armani and the cheaper Armani Exchange range.

Scam victims whose banks refused to compensate them were often trapped by a loophole which meant they lost refund rights if they had voluntarily paid somebody who was later found to be a scammer.

Legally, victims of what is known as “authorised push payment” fraud should be entitled a full refund from their bank under UK financial regulation.

Nevertheless, many failed to receive compensation until they took their fight to the FOS, receiving amounts that varied from hundreds to thousands of pounds.

King’s weather

WET weather, once known as the Queen’s weather and presumably now the King’s weather, boosted gazebo sales over the Coronation weekend.

Street party organisers began panic­buying as the rain set in, with retailers reporting an “unprecedented” rise in sales while gazebo hire firms were inundated with last­minute bookings.

“As a home and leisure retailer we are used to seasonal swings but this spike in sales for gazebos was unprecedented,” Shaun Eldridge, spokesperson for The Range told a news source.

Some gazebos sold out entirely, including a £49.99 (€57.47) line decorated with the Union Jack “which flew off the shelves,” he said.

Peace reigns

ANTONIO GARAMENDI, who is president of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), foresees social peace until 2025.

He was “especially pleased and proud,” Garamendi said, after having signed the Fifth Employment and Collective Bargaining Agreement (AEMC) with Spain’s unions. The pact was balanced as well as good for the country’s stability, the CEOE president said. He also went on to stress, in an oblique reference both to the government and to political parties, that nobody should be allowed to try to appropriate the pact.

OOD INFLATION: Not due to supply chain problems, government says.

SUSAN DAVY: Chief executive of Pennon Group, South West Water’s owners.

DOW JONES

Gold rush

AN ounce of gold now costs

$2,050 (€1,877, comfortably close to the $2,100 (€1,923) that it fetched during the summer of 2020 when investors were spooked by Covid. Banking crises, interest rate volatility, economic slowdown and the war in Ukraine have all contributed to gold’s 10 per cent price rise since January, analysts explained.

Encapsulated

LIQUID capsules are the fastest­growing detergent and have become the most popular way of doing the laundry in the UK, although only 0.1 per cent are made by eco­friendly brands. Wilton have now reinvented the laundry pod, a new carbon­neutral capsule range that comes with the added benefit of 100 per cent plastic­free packaging.

What a difference!

ONLY nine women directors are included amongst the 160 highest earners working for companies listed on Spain’s Bolsa (Stock Exchange).

Minimum thresholds for female directors in listed companies have been raised over the last 10 years and the Spanish government has set a July 1, 2024, deadline for listed companies to increase this to 40 per cent.

Figures for 2022 submitted to the National Securities Commission (CNMV) nevertheless demonstrated that quotas for women in big companies focused

Trade or pin money?

THE UK’s tax authorities are sending reminders to thousands of online sellers whom they believe might not have declared tax.

HMRC, who can access abundant data, have been cracking down on online traders who have omitted to declare taxes for annual sales of more than £1,000 (€1,151).

eBay, apps and websites including De­

pop, Facebook Marketplace and Vinted, have all grown in popularity since the pandemic.

Millions use them to make some extra cash or, in cases like Etsy, to launch a business.

Most people sell a few items and are not professional traders but HMRC is likely to regard as a business anybody who sells regularly to make a profit, or buys in bulk.

mainly on quantity, not quality, the 11th survey of salaries by El Pais concluded.

Few women executives were truly in charge, analysis revealed.

The continuing imbalance was also reflected in women’s salaries, the newspaper pointed out, although this was not exclusive to females.

El Pais found that the best­paid executive directors of the Ibex 35 companies ­ equivalent to the UK’s FTSE 100 ­ earned an average of €4.73 million in 2022.

This amount was 81.5 times greater than the annual €58,095 earned by the employees of the companies they managed.

The divide has also widened in comparison to previous years, as the difference between boss and employee was 76 times greater in 2021 and 79 times more in the 2020 pandemic year.

Plan needed

BRITAIN should relaunch industrial strategies and stop ‘floundering’ over initiatives preventing it from falling behind on the global stage, warned Make UK, which represents 20,000 manufacturers.

UK businesses risked losing out to companies elsewhere around the world owing to the government’s lack of a long ­ term industrial plan while Biden’s $369 billion (€335.5 billion) Inflation Reduction Act diverted investment.

Intern misuse

MURCIA’S Upper Court of Justice High Court of Justice (TSJ) confirmed an IT company’s earlier sentence and a €52,000 fine from the Work Inspectorate for having 31 interns and 27 employees.

The interns outnumbered regular staff in all departments, the TSJ judges said, demonstrating that the company’ staffing needs were covered by students in an “undercover employment relationship.”

MADRID’S BOLSA: Few women amongst listed companies’ executives.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Drink up

THE City Pub Group said after an ‘anaemic’ Coronation Day, sales the next day, Sunday, had been “really, really” strong. Longer opening hours would bring a boost of around £104 million (€119.8 million) to the sector the Centre for Economics and Business Research had forecast beforehand.

No takers

BUSINESS­OWNERS are finding it increasingly difficult to cover job vacancies and engage sufficient staff to complete their workforces. “This is a problem affecting all sectors and qualification levels, warned Andrés Sendagorta, president of Basque multinational Senera and the Institute of Family Businesses (IEF).

Love in the air

AS predicted, ITV’s advertising revenues dropped by 10 per cent during the first quarter of this year. The broadcaster said it expected declining advertising sales to be compensated by the next series of Love Island and the Rugby World Cup which would draw large broadcast and streaming audiences.

Going green

CEPSA signed an agreement to supply European energy service provider GETEC with green hydrogen from 2026. This will give the Spanishbased oil company a direct link to its industrial customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy, Cepsa’s Hydrogen director Joaquin Rodriguez said.

School bills

IT costs families at least £39 (€44.9) a week in transport, lunches, uniform, learning materials and school trips to send a child to a state secondary school according to the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG). This fell to £19 (€21.87) a week for a child at primary school.

Linda Hall

JOHN LEWIS staff backed the group’s chairwoman Dame Sharon White during the recent twiceyearly meeting of the partnership’s 60 ­ strong council on Wednesday May 10.

The department store and Waitrose supermarket owner reported a £234 million (€269 million) loss over the year ending last January, despite £12 billion (€13.8 billion) in sales, obliging it to abandon the staff bonus for only the second time since 1953.

Although the votes were symbolic rather than binding, they also carried considerable weight, as the council has the power to oust the chair of the partnership at any time should the members decide.

Earlier, White had courted criticism following reports that she was contemplating selling a stake

Staff back Stone

billion (€2.3 billion).

“I want to be absolutely categorical,” White declared prior to the vote. “The John Lews Partnership will always be an employee­owned business, no ifs, no buts. There is absolutely no question of demutualisation.”

White also said that the company would consider external investment if the partnership should ever find itself unable to fund plans through its own means.

Stepping down

SIMON THOMPSON is allegedly preparing to step down after a stormy two years as Royal Mail’s chief executive.

Thompson, who attempted to introduce large­scale changes to existing working conditions as well as cost­cutting measures, encountered strong resistance and strikes. The unions which represent Royal Mail employees accused him of fuelling acrimonious industrial disputes.

in the company, which has belonged to the staff since the 1920s, in a bid to raise a much­needed £2

But, she pledged, this would be done in a way that was consistent with the practice of all partners sharing in the benefits of the business, as promised in the original staff ownership deal.

Repsol goes electric

REPSOL, Spain’s largest oil company, now provides electricity for just over one million customers.

It acquired 50.01 per cent of the country’s seventh ­ largest electricity company, CHC Energia, and another 356,000 customers, after CIDE Servicios Comerciales, which owns 100 per cent of CHC Energia, approved the sale on Tuesday, May 9.

The CHC operation was Repsol’s largest in the electricity sector since acquiring Viesgo ­ and more than 750,000 customersfive years ago in an operation valued at more than €730 million.

That was followed by Gana Energía ­ in which Mercadona chairman Juan Roig was a shareholder ­ that brought Repsol 37,000 more customers and another €25 million in turnover in 2021.

Repsol then went on to secure the Capital Energy’s portfolio of a further 25,000 contracts at the beginning of 2022.

The company’s quota of the energy market has now increased from 4.9 per cent to 6.6 per cent, in fourth place after Iberdrola, Endesa and Naturgy.

The CHC transaction

THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) proposes to simplify listing rules that currently discourage companies from joining the UK’s stock markets.

This arises from reproaches that the British semiconductor and software design company Arm and other businesses shunned the UK market and preferred to list in the US.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) proposes to

comes at a time when Repsol, along with its competitors, wants to divest itself of its oil company label.

Instead, it aims to become a multi ­ energy company with interests that reach far beyond fossil fuels and produce net zero emissions by the middle of the century.

Stay in the UK

simplify listing rules in the UK which are putting off companies wishing to join the country’s public markets.

Companies intending to list shares must at present hold a premium listing, obliging them to comply with the UK’s highest regulation standards.

The FCA now wants to

eliminate the requirements which include a three­year financial and revenue­earning track record that makes it impossible for newer businesses to list.

“We want to encourage more companies to list and grow in the UK,” the FCA’s chief executive Nikhil Rathi said.

Deposits shuffled

SPAIN’S six big banks lost €35 billion in deposits, a reduction of 2.9 per cent, reports for 2023’s first quarter revealed.

Sources at the banks involved hastened to clarify that in part it was a seasonal effect as 43 per cent of this amount ­ €16.34 billion ­ occurred as companies withdrew cash accumulated at the end of the previous year to pay bills, complete impending transfers and pay executives’ bonuses.

The same sources explained that there were various reasons for the loss of the remaining 57 per cent, approximately €22 billion but this was principally the result of transferring funds from savings accounts to products generating better returns.

Clients had not withdrawn money, but instead had moved it to investment accounts, the banks stressed, or had acquired Spanish government bonds.

His standing was questioned after a Commons select committee appearance in January this year, prompting some members of the board of International Distributions Services (IDS), Royal Mail’s parent company, to conclude that new leadership was required.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail and IDS said they did not comment on rumour or speculation.

Welcome reduction

ENERGY bills for an average UK household are expected to dip to an annual £1,900 (€2,187) this summer following a reduction in gas prices.

The present energy price cap, set in April, stands at £3,280 (€3,776) a year.

Annual gas and electricity charges are falling as normality returns to the energy market with lower wholesale gas prices beginning to show up on power bills.

Figures currently demonstrate that the price of gas has returned to where it was in February 2022, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine transformed the energy sector.

Telefonica increases turnover

TELEFONICA announced a net profit of €298 million for the first quarter of 2023 on May 9.

This was 57.8 per cent lower than the €706 million reported during the same period last year, owing to higher debt costs.

Revenue between January and the end of March reached €10.05 billion, 6.7 per cent more than 2022’s first quarter, with increases in all business divisions and Telefonica’s key markets of Spain, the UK, Germany and Brazil despite ongoing inflation.

The company’s net financial debt fell by €244 million to €26.44 billion.

JOHN LEWS: No change in staffowned status, Dame Sharon White pledged.

REPSOL: Now Spain’s fourth-largest electricity company.

Photo credit: Flickr/Repsol

IT Young voters

PERSONALLY

I think the voting age should be raised to 21. It’s not that I consider the young lacking in intelligence, or am ignorant of the view, that if you’re old enough to die for your country you should at least have a say in who runs it.

The fact is they lack experience; they simply haven’t been around long enough. An 18­year­old today, was not even born when the last Labour government was elected and five when they were put out of office by the Conservatives.

They have no idea what it is like to exist under the depressing, inept incompetence of a left wing government.

They have never experienced the sight of the fat cat bully boys of the unions, fresh from their Marbella villa holidays, emerging from Downing Street and announcing that half the nation would be on strike if the ‘workers’ weren’t given what they (the unions) demanded. Of times when ‘everybody out’ issued from the employees of one vital institution after another, until

the whole country staggered from one crisis to the next and employers were blamed for everything from the price of soap to the shortage of cat litter.

They have no knowledge of a country, run by a party who bribes its constituents by creating whole diversive cultures of benefit scroungers, and to pay for these free handouts, taxes those with any initiative to create jobs and wealth to such a degree that they leave the country in droves.

Labour is a party that has no idea how to actually create resources and always uses the wealth, painstakingly earned by previous governments to create the illusion that they are a successful organisation by pouring investments into popular schemes that will ingratiate them to their constituents.

When there is no longer any previous legacy to use, they borrow, beg and steal ( Brown stole most of the country’s gold reserves and sold it for a pittance!) until ultimately there is nothing left and they are fi­

3 TOP TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

REBECCA SERWOTKA ­ “We sell houses!

It’s what we do, it’s ALL we do!” Certified API Associate 00493. Your favourite local resale property expert, of Inmobiliaria Estate Agents in Ciudad Quesada. Prestige Award WINNER for Real Estate Agency Of The Year 2021/22 & 2022/23. Luxury Lifestyle Awards WINNER, Alicante Spain 2023.

Selling your home can be an exciting but stressful experience. It’s important to prepare your property and take the right steps to attract potential buyers.

Here’s three top tips for selling your home:

1. Stage it to sell: This can make a big

nally voted out, leaving the incoming party to once again pick up the pieces.

Margaret Thatcher actually summed up this bunch of incompetent con artists perfectly, when she stated that the Labour party were fine, until they ran out of other people’s money.

So, to all the young voters, who believe the Woke, Maoist propaganda, ‘all men are equal, tax the rich and ban the Monarchy’ that issues from the left, are the answers to what ails us, I suggest you all think again. I’m not saying it’s going to be plain sailing. But at least with the Right we have a chance.

Do you really want to witness the likes of Angela Rainer, the repetitive, insipid Keir Starmer or the pink hat of Eddie Izzard, gloating from the steps of Number 10?

Keep the faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com

Mon and Fri. 1pm till 4.

SPAIN still doesn’t officially allow large stores and supermarkets to open on most Sundays but there are exceptions.

This means that those areas which are recognised as being ‘Areas of Great Tourist Influx’ will be given special dispensation for Sunday opening across most of the country.

Although generally left to each autonomous province to decide, what this means is that shops with more than 300 square metres of space such as department stores and supermarkets may open on the agreed Sundays whilst certain essential services such as fuel, bakers etc are not constrained by time or day. There are also some markets (often collectibles or crafts) which are also open on Sundays so it does mean that there will be plenty of choice for shoppers during the summer period.

Starting on May 21, if you live in one of these special areas, large stores will be allowed to open between noon and 8pm every Sunday with the last approved opening being September 10 but the decision to open lies with the individual company and it is known that some stores such as Mercadona don’t open every supermarket every week.

With so many tourists expected this year, it makes sense to ensure that they are catered for but while the decision will no doubt be welcomed by the owners of those businesses that can take advantage of the relaxation on Sunday closing; it may not go down so well with workers who must give up more Sundays as well as smaller businesses who may lose out on sales. Shopaholics will also look forward to the end of November and whole of December when the stores are able to open again.

difference in how it’s perceived by potential buyers. This involves decluttering, cleaning and rearranging your furniture to create an inviting and spacious feel.

2. Price it correctly: Pricing your home correctly is crucial for attracting potential buyers. Price it too high, and you risk turning off buyers and having your home sit on the market for too long.

3. Maximise your home’s online presence: Having a robust online presence for your home is crucial in the current digital era. Make sure it’s listed on popular real estate websites, and include high quality photos, videos and a detailed description of your home’s

CRACKING DOWN ON CHEATING

IDENTICAL twins accused of cheating in an online US medical exam during the pandemic were awarded $1.5 million in damages after they sued for defamation.

Decades ago, twin cousins of mine sat a business management exam with one exam paper about the legal system, commercial law etc. They both answered the same questions and achieved similar results.

It was first thought they’d somehow colluded but the invigilator publicly stated they couldn’t have as he had seated them on opposite sides of the room with 50 other candidates. Basically, they revised together, bounced ideas off one another and were therefore drawn to the same questions.

A friend dealt with many sets of identical twins with identical patterns of behaviour and attainment. They chose the same exam questions, answered in the same way and got identical grades. Even in Literature, where the choice of texts taught can make a significant difference and marking is more subjective,

identical twins with different texts and teachers gained identical marks in exams marked by different examiners. The issue here is that the online medical exam was during the pandemic when online exam fraud soared.

Schools and colleges will doubtless be extra vigilant during the current exam season... However, any kind of cheating in exams is understandably a serious issue that affects the integrity of the educational system and the credibility of the qualifications obtained.

So it’s important to understand the various forms of cheating ­ including, sometimes, by identical twins too. Identical twins share a unique bond, and in some cases this can lead to collaboration. This might take the form of one twin taking an exam for the other or communicating answers during the exam itself. This type of cheating’s particularly difficult to detect, as the twins often have similar physical characteristics and mannerisms, making it difficult for invigilators to simply tell them apart! While it may seem like a harmless prank or a way to help each other, cheating has clearly serious consequences.

Students who cheat are essentially breaking the rules and undermining the value of their own and others’ qualifications. This can lead to loss of credibility and a tarnished reputation that can have long­term implications for their future careers. Cheating may even result in disciplinary action like suspension or expulsion with a significant impact on a stu­

dent’s future prospects. This whole issue of exam cheating by identical twins and others, especially during the pandemic, highlights the need for a robust system to prevent and detect it. Measures such as increased surveillance and monitoring during exams, stricter procedures for student identification and random checks of answers against past papers are of paramount importance.

Basically, though, what’s truly essential is to address the root causes of cheating, such as pressure to perform, lack of understanding of the subject matter or fear of failure. Teachers and parents can play a key role in creating a supportive environment for students, providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to succeed. This should include encouraging them to seek help when they’re struggling and promoting a culture of honesty and integrity. With talk of artificial intelligence taking over jobs from us all, the future’s only going to get tougher...

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.no ra­johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora Johnson’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist.

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

Advertising Feature 9 OUT 10 CUSTOMERS RECOMMEND US

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DID YOU KNOW?

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Cyclogical: Where cycling is a passion

CYCLING is one of the most effective exercises and ways to get out and about, protecting you against certain illnesses, improving your cardiovascular system, reducing stress levels and making you feel better by raising your self­esteem. And where better to enjoy your hobby, travel, and reduce emissions, than the beautiful Costa Blanca?

Cyclogical is a traditional familyrun cycle superstore for all of your cycling needs. Whether you’re looking to buy a new model, accessories and clothing, or hire and repair, the team Gary, Lynn, Harry and Tom are here to help and advise.

Partnering with some of the top brands in the business including, Pinarello, Lapierre, Head, Romet, Shimano, Continental, Atika, Maglia and Gaerne, the team at Cyclogical are certified to carry out

all types of sales and repairs and have over 300 cycles in stock catering for all abilities.

It’s essential to have a wellmaintained and safe bike. The fully equipped workshop at Cyclogical has been custom built and the Shimano­certified staff are ready to handle all of your needs. The workshop has a complete range of

Shimano spares and accessories to carry out all types of services and repairs for all makes and models. In a rush? Don’t worry, many repairs at Cyclogical are even carried out on the same day, meaning you’ll be back on your bike in no time!

If you fancy renting a bike, Cyclogical offers flexible hire and are

proud to be the Costa Blanca’s number one Pinarello road bike hire centre. Bikes can be rented by the day, week, or month, and the team will tailor the period to suit your needs. Knowing the importance of a well­maintained bike, all Cyclogical hire bikes are cleaned, serviced, and checked by the qualified team after every ride. They

will also be adjusted to suit your requirements.

Cyclogical stocks a huge range of accessories to fit most types and sizes of bikes including, baskets, carriers, saddlebags, helmets, locks, saddles, pumps, water bottles, tyres, tubes, bike covers, lights and all other mechanical and workshop parts that you might need. And there’s no excuse to leave the dog or kids at home, with Cyclogical’s range of child seats, carriers, trailers, and rack baskets!

The team can customise your bike to suit your requirements and make any necessary modifications to make it more ergonomically comfortable for you so that you can enjoy your rides as much as possible.

If you can’t visit the shop in person, you can contact the team via email or telephone.

CYCLOGICAL: The team are always available to help and advise with anything you may require.

Toenail giveaway

ALTHOUGH it affects around 60 per cent of adults, many are unaware that they have high cholesterol levels. But looking at their feet could provide them with a clue, Dr Sami Faroozi from the Harley Street Clinic recently told the Huff Post.

When the blood contains too much cholesterol, this can cause peripheral aerial disease (PAD) where fatty plaque has built up in the arteries and limits blood flow to the legs.

This in turn can affect the toenails, making them grow slowly or become brittle.

While the condition can occur in any blood vessel, it is most common in the leg, hence its affect on toenails, Dr Faroozi said.

Differences of opinion

Linda Hall

ULTRA­PROCESSED foods are currently the villains of the piece, blamed for obesity and increased cancer risks.

But the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) charity maintained that baked beans, fish fingers and wholemeal bread were unfairly demonised and could form part of a healthy diet.

The BNF experts also gave the thumbs­up to tomatobased pasta sauces, wholegrain cereals and fruit yoghourts, pronouncing them “healthier processed foods.”

As well as being convenient and affordable, they were a source of important nutrients, the BNF said, urg­

WHOLEMEAL

Unfairly demonised, food charity said

ing the government not to include ultra ­ processed foods in national dietary guidelines.

There was a lack of ‘agreed definition’ regarding

AIR­DRYING your hair can give it a welcome break from blow­drying and heated styling tools.

Advocates explain that this prevents moisture loss and keeps your hair hydrated for longer.

They also stress that it’s vital to untangle your hair while it is still soaking wet ­ ideally when in the shower ­ as brushing or combing

which foods belonged to the ultra ­ processed category and concerns about its usefulness in identifying healthier products, the organisation said.

Air-conditioning

once it starts to dry will only cause frizz and fluffiness. The hardest part comes once you’ve applied an air­drying cream, spray or lotion and styled your hair approximately as you want it, as you must resist the temptation to touch or tweak it until it is totally dry.

Blame the weather

SUMMER arrived early on the Costas but has now surrendered to typically unpredictable May weather.

Inevitably, the changes in weather patterns have had an effect on our health, prompting many people to link their allergy ­ related

symptoms to the increased presence of pollen in the spring. But in certain cases, anomalies in atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity can lead to the onset of allergies and symptoms not caused by pollen.

BREAD:

Ryanair stag-do riot ruins dream holiday LETTERS

I was on this flight! It was actually worse than described in your article. We had three female flight attendants, one of whom had been on the job for two days and admitted to me that she felt unsafe coming to work. The 20 or so men on the flight as part of ‘Ryan’s stag do’ (they all had personalised t ­ shirts) were visibly drunk when they boarded the plane. The crew told me that the mistake was made by the ground staff who “shouldn’t have let them board the plane” and that all they could do was “manage the situation”. Three tiny female humans dealing with large volatile males of the species. And they sold more booze, again and again. They were shouting profanities from the beginning of the flight. Obscenities and obscene gestures, loud arguments, I made notes, there was nothing else to do, no escape from the awfulness of the experience. Announcements were made that they would be met by police upon landing if they were drunk, vaping, drinking their own alcohol ­ which they openly did when after three rounds of bar service a decision was broadcast that there would be no more sale of alcohol on the flight. We all saw them drinking from bottles they were handing around, we all saw them openly vaping whilst walking around the cabin. Ryanair’s response is predictably driven by greedcan there be another reason for abandoning their duty of care for passengers on the flight. It was a miracle that it didn’t get nastier.

Sasha Alevropoulos

So predictable

Mr Leapy you are as predictable as a ‘cover it all newspaper Astrology page’. Can’t deny you have a bunch of fans out there. Don't know why myself but there we are, no counting for human difference.

Speaking for myself I believe in the freedom to protest peacefully for you or less right wing folk. The UK government don’t and introduce legislation to curtail peaceful protest. Again I don’t know why but there we are.

I am old enough to to remember the peaceful protest by Bertram Russell a great British philosopher, against nuclear arms in 1961. He was put in prison for a week or so and ended up getting massive publicity for CND. As a case in point the anti monarchists, few in number, are getting massive publicity even from king of Brexit David Davis MP and other top Tories because they realise this new legisla­

tion has not been thought out.

You talk of British values which have included the right to peaceful protests.

As a member of The Royal British Legion can I remind you thousands lost their lives defending freedom. Three members of my own family gave their health and well ­ being fighting in the Second World War to defend our freedom against such tyranny.

Are you clearly saying they were wrong. Freedom to express a fundamental difference to the status quo is our basic right.

Yours faithfully Helen

Hallam Malaga

Used worldwide

Hi,

I'd like to reply to an article that caught my attention in Issue 1970 (6th ­ 12th April) as to wrong context written by Bernard Butler. Éire is very much used in sending postcards and letters around the world and nationally too. I use Éire all the time myself. As an Irishman Bernard doesn’t know his geography, as Ballina is in County Mayo. regards,

James Looney

Hi Leapy

Well done for your comments ref the blacks. I get so fed up watching TV commercials etc and other programmes full of blacks its no wonder we white people are beginning to be racist and as for that black actress saying on TV about our Royal family on the balcony at the lovely coronation being a white balcony, what the hell does she expect our Royals are white, thank goodness. Keep up the good work Leapy, love reading your comments you say what the majority of people are afraid to say well done.

Audrey Nosworthy

EU boiler ban

The stupidity of the climate useful idiots never ceases to amaze me. By the time the public wakes up they will have wasted billions. Then we all be better living in Senegal.

Roger Miller

Natural gas

Let’s hope now we are free of the EU that our government does not follow their idiotic rulings. It’s proved that air source heat pumps provide insufficient heat for radiators and only work for low temperature underfloor heating. Biomass has other health issues as other contributor explains. Stick with natural gas and top up with solar.

David Goulty

Couldn’t or wouldn’t

LINDA HALL

THERE were things that ‘nice’ girls and women didn’t do more than half a century ago.

But men encountered restrictions too, although these centred on etiquette rather than morals.

Things like never carrying any kind of package, parcel, luggage or ­ heaven forbid! ­ a shopping bag in the street. Like only wearing navy blue or black socks. Always walking on a woman’s outside on a pavement and never letting her pay for anything in public, in case he looked like a gigolo.

Of course, men were also burdened with the millstone of being his family’s sole provider although this automatically allowed them to avoid all involvement in domestic affairs.

That included pushing a baby’s pram as well as holding an infant anywhere except in the home, as I discovered when our daughter was a couple of months old.

We were shopping in Alicante and had left our 600 in a back street. Baby

slings didn’t exist and by the time we’d shopped, lunched and were returning to the car, she had become a heavyweight.

“I can’t carry her anymore,” I said. “You’ll have to take her.”

My husband looked reluctant, but as the street where we’d parked appeared to be deserted, he reluctantly took the leaden little bundle from me but began to look panicky as we saw an elderly woman approaching. Dressed in black from head to toe, although she was probably younger than I am now, she looked at us in amazement.

She continued to stare at us both, but concentrated mainly on my husband and child as we drew level with her. After we’d passed her, I glanced over my shoulder and saw that she’d turned, too, and was still looking at us.

“You see!” the child’s father hissed. “I told you that men can’t carry babies!”

But that was a long time ago in what seems like another country. Especially when I see unashamed young men who are proud to hold babies in public.

Banking on it

a human being to do it)

Gala Fundraising Evening

YOU won’t find it now, as it was corrected later, but the US author James Michener, writing about Pamplona, had people sleeping inside banks during the July bullrunning.

It appeared, I believe, in The Drifters but was forgivable because some people do sleep ON benches between July 7 and 14. However, they don’t sleep IN banks although Spanish translates both as banco. There’s still a connection, as some sources tell you that bank originates from the banca ­ or a bench that is also a tablewhere Lombard moneymen exchanged money and bills in the marketplace. If one defaulted, his bench was broken up, giving us bancarotta, which is very close to a Spanish bancarrota or bankrupt. Breaking up its computer system is the worst thing that could happen to any bank now, because most people do their banking online. As English is always an online option, language should not be a problem, but sometimes you’ll want to see a person and not a computer screen. So first things first:

I’d like to make an appointment… ..quiero hacer una cita previa (this can be done online although some banks provide

I’d like to open an account/close my account…..quiero abrir una cuenta/cerrar mi cuenta

I’d like to open/close a current account….quiero abrir/ cerrar una cuenta corriente

I’d like to open/close a deposit account…..quiero abrir/cerrar una cuenta de déposito

I’d like to make a standing order… ..quiero domiciliar un pago

I’d like to cancel a standing order… ..quiero anular una domiciliación

I want to authorise a payment… ..quiero dar una orden de pago

I want to make a transfer….quiero hacer una transferencia

I’d like a mortgage…..quiero una hipoteca

And, because disaster sometimes strikes:

I’ve lost my debit/credit card…..he perdido mi tarjeta de débito/crédito

I’ve had my debit/credit card stolen….. me han robado mi tarjeta de débito/crédito

And to change the subject entirely, remember not to translate broad beans as judías anchas, as this will get you runner beans instead.

THE British Benevolent Fund was founded over a century ago to act as the ‘charity of last resort’ for Britons who face extreme financial hardship in Spain.

The BBF works with charity partners across the country as well as the UK consular network to help.

The British Ambassador to Spain is the honorary patron. The British community in Spain has grown enormously since its inception and the needs of Britons grown with it.

We help those who have nowhere else to turn and who face the worst that life can throw at them many times exasperated by illness and incapacity.

We can only help people with your help.

The BBF is part of the British community in Spain and works 365 days a year for it with an all­volunteer membership of people from all walks of life and all parts of Spain. There is no office and there are no

salaried staff.

To help raise funds and awareness the BBF has joined forces with the Fundacion Cudeca for a flagship fundraising gala to be held at the Uppery Club in Malaga on Saturday May 20.

Guests will be treated to a VIP night at Malaga’s newest and most sought after locations for a glittering evening including welcome reception, three­course dinner with all wines, star raf­

fle with thousands of euros worth of prizes and late bar.

Tickets are €125 with both the BBF and Cudeca as the beneficiaries of the evening. If you would like to support our work and cause we would be delighted to welcome you. For ticket enquiries please contact olaf.clayton@ britishbenevolentfund.org.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

MUSIC is the art of sound that expresses ideas and emotions through elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and colour. Yehudi Menuhin said: “I can only think of music as something inherent in every human being ­ a birth­right. Music coordinates mind, body and spirit.” According to Anton Bruckner: “it is better to listen to music and not understand it than to understand it and not listen to it.”

Like many people I was first exposed to music through nursery rhyme jingles sung by my parents or played on the radio. At school I was a fan of Doris Day and Bing Crosby before becoming aware of some of my father’s classical music.

From the mid ­ 50s for me it was all New Orleans and traditional jazz, from the records of Jelly ­ Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong to Chris Barber and Humphrey Lyttleton, and jiving

IT’S MUSIC TO MY EARS

was taking a break from studies and listening to Claudio Arrau playing Beethoven’s third piano concerto.

While I was buying my first property, I was frequently listening to records of Hank Snow and the Sergeant Pepper album. In both cases, the event and the music are permanently linked in my mind.

lie in the imagination of European composers, many of them German and Austrian. But some of the great interpretations of these works are performed by musicians and conductors from China, Japan and the Americas, whose own traditional music is very different.

in the ubiquitous jazz clubs. I still love this music, but it is rarely performed today by anybody under 95. Then followed Bill Haley, Jim Reeves and the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Dean Martin and Leonard Cohen.

As the 60s dawned, I began to discover classical music through Viennese waltzes and the symphonies of

Tchaikovsky. At first the melodies were the attractionbefore I discovered the ‘hidden depths’.

Music is one of the senses that anchors us to past situations, whether pleasant or not ­ rather like the fragrance of a special perfume, a movie or the sound of an air ­ raid siren. When I heard of the assassination of President Kennedy, I

Popular music follows fashion and tends to be ethereal. People, especially the young, tend to follow the American way which is first adopted by the UK, and then Europe, before spreading throughout the world, except where it is not permitted.

Young people in China, Japan, India and Indonesia prefer western hits to their own traditional music.

Classical music transcends language, cultures and fashion to reach the universal spirit common to all of us. Its roots

This illustrates how the music of Beethoven is for the benefit of all of us ­ not just Germans; not just Europeans.

There are recent theories that listening to classical music can reduce stress and blood pressure, improve quality of sleep, boost the memory and even manage pain. It can also bring enormous pleasure.

For more from our columnists please scan this QR Code

YOUR boat has been locked away in storage, and with the sunny weather fast approaching you are itching to get her wet for the first time this season! You get her de­winterised, antifouled and everything gets checked over thoroughly before you experience the exhilarating feeling of taking her out to your favourite spots. Even though you have taken care of all the physical aspects to make sure your rides will be pleasurable and trouble free, it is easy to forget to take care of any unforeseen and above all unhappy events that might occur whilst taking your prized possession for a spin.

It’s plain sailing with Boat Insurance by Liberty Seguros

Nevertheless, regardless of whether you own a dinghy, jet ski or a luxury super yacht, taking care of the body work and mechanics is only one aspect that goes towards assuring your safety. Sailing is a sport of variables and the unforeseen can unfortunately happen; however, having the right cover in place with an insurance company that you can trust will go towards preparing you for any eventuality.

a policy with the expat in mind that extends far beyond mandatory liability cover. With added benefits that include voluntary public liability, theft, damage to the vessel itself (as well as auxiliary craft, wreckage removal, special fixtures and personal belongings, amongst others), damage caused by third parties and damage due to pollution risks and coastal regattas, its marine insurance provides comprehensive protection both when moored and out on the seas.

What’s more, should the unimaginable actually happen, its marine policy will cover loss of life, permanent disability and injury to occupants for accidents that take place both on the boat as well as accidents that occur whilst boarding or disembarking.

This policy can also be tailored to individual needs to cover solicitor’s fees, medical bills, loss of wages and other aspects that are important to you. LIBERTY SEGUROS can also insure your vessel under the traditional Institute Yacht Clauses (IYC).

David Worboys’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors

Both Josef Haydn and Dean Martin have brought pleasure to millions through their different forms of music.

Photo Credits: thefamouspeople.com and maxfm.com.tr

This is where LIBERTY SEGUROS ­ the preferred expat insurer in Spain ­ can help. LIBERTY SEGUROS has designed

BOAT INSURANCE: SAILING IS A SPORT OF VARIABLES.

THE motorhome market is constantly growing, and the trend indicates that it will continue like this for the next few years, at least on the European continent.

According to estimates, the annual growth rate will be more than 7 per cent for the period between 2020 and 2025.

With this in mind, AMAFI Caravanning is in the process of opening a new motorhome rental headquar­

AMAFI in Alicante Camping with kids

CAMPING with kids is a great option for a family holiday, time spent outdoors in nature is good both for their physical health but also their emotional health. Camping and the tasks involved to set up a camp can keep them away from their mobiles and other electronic devices. Camping with kids can also be a challenge so here are some top tips to help make your trip a success. Keep the trip short and choose a kid­friendly campground with a playground, a beach, or some kid­friendly hiking trails. Another sugges­

tion is to include children by assigning them ageappropriate tasks like filling water bottles, gathering firewood, and collecting rubbish. Some more practical tips include bringing more clothes than you think you will need as there are so many ways for kids to get dirty while camping. Finally, bring lots of snacks! Kids need to eat more frequently than adults and being outdoors will increase their appetite. It helps to prevent low blood sugar to avoid hungry moments from spoiling the holiday.

ters in Alicante.

There are two well ­ defined segments in the market, those who buy the vehicles and those who rent them and AMAFI specialises in this last sector.

One of the most striking options offered by motorhome rentals in Alicante is the Elnagh Baron 581 model. This vehicle has a rear suite with a double bed on an island, a bathroom and a separate shower, guaranteeing high levels of comfort during trips.

In addition, it has the capacity for five people, a rear parking camera, stereo, GPS with maps of the entire European continent and radar alert, hands ­ free, Bluetooth and USB to play music and videos of different kinds.

It also has a comprehensive heating system, a full kitchen and free Wi­Fi service to connect up to 10 devices.

Survive the heat

SURVIVE the heat while camping during a heatwave. You have a trip planned but the temperatures are set to soar, and the added heat will tire you out, you worry about whether you will enjoy the trip. It’s not ideal but you can still have a great time! Make sure to stay hydrated, and continue to drink water even if you don’t feel like it. You can get dehydrated so easily in high temperatures and before you know it you are lethargic and irritated. Stay away from fizzy drinks and especially alcoholic drinks as they will dehydrate you faster.

Wear loose breathable clothing that covers your skin, don’t be tempted to expose too much skin this will actually make you feel hot and sweaty in the long run. Keeping your skin covered will keep you cooler for longer and protect against sunburn. It goes without saying that suncream is a must, apply factor 50 and keep it topped up and always wear a hat of some kind to protect your head from the sun.

Try to keep your tent open as much as possible and avoid sitting inside for too long as the air will become hot and stuffy and even humid sometimes making it uncomfortable when it’s time to get some sleep.

MOTORHOME RENTALS: AMAFI specialises in this sector.

Arthritis in dogs

WHAT are the symptoms and how do you treat them? Unfortunately, arthritis in dogs is very common, especially in more active dogs as they get older.

If your dog is slow to rise or struggling to walk, lethargic, depressed, or even aggressive, and struggles to climb stairs or to sit or go to the toilet they could be showing signs of arthritis.

Sometimes they can have a limp or be seen to lick painful joints as well. Experts say you may notice some changes to their body shape as they can shift their weight from one leg to another for example, you will notice the muscles shrink in the affected area.

Weight control is vital to help ease the symptoms to make sure excess weight is not put on the inflamed joints. Make sure they don’t overdo it when it comes to exercise.

Deep comfortable dog beds are good for reducing pressure on their joints while they sleep. Physiotherapy can really help with the overall health of joints and muscles. Fish oils are also good for joints and general health.

Of course, if you are worried about your pet please make sure to make an appointment with the vet.

Sitter cares for Rio at his home

A DOG-SITTER is a companion as well as a pet minder to your pets. The most important thing to note is that they care for your pets in their own home. Their routine stays the same, the place where they sleep stays the same, it is more relaxing for your pets and less disruptive. Find a dog­sitter to care for your pets at home and help to minimise any separation anxiety by keeping them where they feel at home.

If you’re planning a trip, register now to find pet­sitters in time. Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want

to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN - Reader exclusive offer. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com.

Call your parrot

PARROTS are social animals and have remarkable intelligence that requires stimulation to keep them entertained. Parrots are very popular pets and are often chosen because they are low maintenance when compared to other animals. For this reason, parrots can spend a lot of time alone and are suffering from loneliness and even depression.

In some cases, the isolation of parrots causes them emotional distress or even psychological disorders which can manifest some selfharming behaviours such as plucking feathers.

In a mission to combat these issues, some scientists designed a technological interaction model so that a group of parrots could make video calls with almost

Some guidelines to epilepsy

A DOG with epilepsy can enjoy a remarkable quality of life if given proper veterinary treatment. For this, it is important that some guidelines are followed.

1. Complete the clinical diagnostic protocol. Do all the tests to rule out other pathologies that can cause seizures.

2. Administer the appropriate medication.

3. Carry out medical check­ups every six months.

4. Stay calm during an epileptic seizure of your dog. Remember to videotape the attacks. The videos to see how the attacks happen provide the veterinarian with a lot of information.

5. Avoid stressful situations for the animal, which may put it in danger.

In the attached QR code you have an informative video about canine epilepsy.

no human intervention. Eighteen parrots were chosen for the experiment and the first step was to teach them to recognise the digital tablets bell and the next to show them how to call or decline a video call. The results showed that out of 234 possible calls the parrots made 147 calls, and 74 per cent responded positively to requests to hold video conferences with other parrots typi cally consisting of a five minute video call!

ing the experiment that

the birds enjoy contact with other parrots: they approach the screen, offer food to them and even sing in coordination. And when they move or disappear from the screen the parrots reacted by looking behind the device hoping to find them there. The experiment is ongoing but has already demonstrated an improvement in the mood of the birds selected.

A dog-sitter cares for your pets at home.

VIDEO CALLS: The birds enjoyed contact with other parrots.

AIR CONDITIONING

ALARMS

AIRPORT TRASNFERS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

CONSTRUCTION

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

CONSTRUCTION

BLINDS

BUILDERS

BLINDS

BALUSTRADES

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

ARCHITECT

BUGGY TOURS

are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@glpvalencia. com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja. com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

BUILDING SERVICES BUSINESS

J & J PAINTERS. Insideoutside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (1296232)

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida

679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www. aa-costablanca.org (93323)

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorre vieja.org (95476)

LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangeli calchurch.org (10005)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvis its@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches.britishle gion.org.uk/branches/orihuelacosta - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk. (95457)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@ rbl.community

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458)

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiritualistcentrebenijofar.com. Telephone 711 060 171. Email martin droute66@hotmail.com. Fiscal G54713789

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (293273)

INSURANCE

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

KENWOOD CentriFugal

Juicer Excel IE850 €99ono. 628 860 606 (303013)

MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@hotmail.com (294686)

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campe llo@hotmail.com (95475)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.giving light.com.(10006)

FREEMASONRY . Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There

PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459)

PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www. pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009SG/A (95463)

ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org. uk Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593)

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkin spain@yahoo.co.uk (10004)

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorrevieja@aol.com (95455)

STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email strokesupportgroup@hot mail.com, website: torreviejas trokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION

COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.acacostablan ca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465)

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org.es (295976)

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsurancein spain.com or email tracey@sosinsurancein spain.com (290139)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com or visit www.ben eficialinsuranceinspain.com for online quote. (303063)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure. com

ELECTRICIAN FOR SALE/WANTED

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (291667)

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

GOLD WANTED

NEED HELP WITH SPANISH? British expat with 39 years’ experience offers translation/interpreter/teaching services. Tel: Gary 676 893 572 (302830)

INTERPRETER MASSAGE

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE , slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302439)

EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (302232)

CLASSIC SPANISH LADY , Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 40€. Ana 657 603 495 (302835)

ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Professional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (295448)

RELAXING MASSAGE FOR MEN - Mario qualified masseur in Alicante - Special Massage for Men - 7 days 10am to 10pm - APPOINTMENTS visit: www.masajeyre lax.es/en or WHATSAPP 649 761 607 (302598)

ANA SLIM ELEGANT LADY. PROFESSIONAL RELAXING TANTRIC AND PROSTATIC MASSAGE. ALICANTE. HOME VISITS ONLY 24HRS. TEL 697 207 715. (302917)

MATURE MALE GIVES SENSUAL RELAXING FULL BODY MASSAGE IN PLAYA FLAMENCA. WHATSAP 633 361 938 (302926)

MISCELLANEOUS

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

MOTORING

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

Male/Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com

PERGOLAS

Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama -safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM TEL: 902 889 070 (2001)

PLUMBERS

INSURANCE

MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

MOTORHOMES MUSIC TUITION

PIANO , Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (302201)

WhatsApp: 667 879 399 kruger canopies@yahoo.co.uk

PET CHARITY

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare.net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (291667)

POOL MAINTENANCE

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER

LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (303137)

NAUTICAL OTHERS

KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery. ROY HAS A NEW TEL. - 613 584 915 (295447) tp

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, dewormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977

P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals.

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

Renault Arkana - presence and style

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

ITS looks more coupe crossover, think slimmed down BMW X6, and Renault’s Arkana certainly adds a dash of style with my test model looking particularly stylish thanks to its splendid Zanzibar Blue paint finish. Although it adds €747/£650 to the car’s price tag, it’s a standout colour for all the right reasons.

Prices start at €32,630/£28,395 for the lead ­ in Evolution model, with three further trim levels and full hybrid powertrains. The 1.6 ­ litre petrol full hybrid unit develops 142hp and has a six­speed clutchless automatic.

Standard equipment is good with all models having automatic lights and wipers, climate control, front and rear parking sen­

sors and rear view camera. My test model was the Techno model starting at €34,928/£30,395, in cluding adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, LED lights, keyless entry and start, navigation, privacy glass and auto dimming rear view mirror plus a host of safety and other kit. Oddly there’s no rear wiper, although it doesn’t seem to ob struct vision in wet weather, but still a strange omission.

The Arkana’s full hybrid system allows the car to

sort out when to go electric, petrol or both, and to

lect pure electric for short distances. It makes for a

very easy drive with smooth transitions be ­

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Renault Arkana Techno Full Hybrid

• Engine: 1.6-litre petrol developing 142 bhp with hybrid electric power

• Gears: 6-speed clutchless automatic

• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 10.8 seconds/Maximum Speed 172 kph (107 mph)

• Economy: 3.99l/100km (58.9 mpg) Combined driving (WLTP)

• Emissions: 108 g/km (WLTP)

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

hard acceleration, as the engine revs rise and wait for everything else to catch up. It’s a trait that isn’t unique to Renault transmissions of this type, and to be fair this is one of the better systems in this regard. Go for smooth, progressive acceleration and the Arkana will power itself away with a delightfully unruffled air.

With a 107 mph top speed and 62 mph passed in 10.8 seconds it’s by no means pedestrian. Despite a taller stance the Arkana handles well and rough roads do not upset the car’s comfortable ride.

Inside there’s a nicely laid out, modern looking dash with buttons (hurrah!) and sensible touchscreen operations. The central touchscreen is portrait orientated, rather than the more usual landscape, and works better for it in my view.

The Arkana’s style won’t be to everyone’s taste but it has real presence without the compromised looks of similar coupe crossovers. There’s a feel of quality along with decent levels of interior space. It’s definitely one that should be high on the buying hit list for those seeking something a little different to the conventional norm.

ARKANA’S STYLE: Won’t be to everyone’s taste but it has real presence.

Opel and ADAC

Second-hand

THE average price of a used car in the UK was £17,843 in April, up 2.7 per cent yearon ­ year and 1.5 per cent month ­ on ­ month, the biggest monthly increase since November 2021

ed in the record levels of consumer engagement on our marketplace over recent months.”

He added: “Rising used car values have done little

to dampen demand and based on what we’re tracking across the market, there’s no indication of it slowing significantly anytime soon.”

OPEL has reaffirmed its commitment to the world’s first electric one­make rally cup, previously known as the ADAC Opel e­Rally Cup, which has been renamed and will be called ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSe’.

Like Opel’s future, the brand’s motorsport activities are electric. That is why the name of the new sporty sub ­ brand GSe (Grand Sport electric) can

now also be found in the title of the electric racing series. The ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSe’ will also be even more international in the 2023 season: A total of eight events in four countries (Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland) are on the calendar.

In addition, Opel and ADAC have extended their existing agreement until 2024.

Opel CEO, Florian Huettl,

confirmed: “Opel and the ADAC created the world’s first electric one­make rally cup together.

“This pioneering spirit has set a powerful and important example in international rallying. We will continue and further develop this innovative racing series together in line with our sporty GSe top models and our strategy of becoming a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028.”

According to the latest data from the Auto Trader Retail Price Index, which is based on circa 900,000 daily pricing observations across the whole retail market, growth in second­hand car prices accelerated in April due, in part, to the ongoing strengthening in consumer demand.

The average price of a used car was £17,843 in April, which on a month­onmonth and like­for­like basis is a 1.5 per cent rise on March’s levels and marks the largest monthly increase since November 2021.

Auto Trader’s Director of Data and Insight, Richard Walker, said: “The used car market has had a strong year so far, which is reflect­

RALLY CUP: Opel and ADAC have created the world’s first electric one-make rally cup.

Image: Stellantis

Doubles partner of tennis legend passes at 79

THE doubles partner of Billie Jean King has passed away at the age of 79.

Australian Owen Davidson was a 13 times grand slam winner with eight of those wins whilst partnered with Billie Jean King.

He also reached the singles finals at Wimbledon in 1966.

From 1967 to 1970 he was head pro at the All­England Club as well as being the coach of the British Davis Cup team. He was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010

Billie Jean took to Twitter to pay tribute to her former tennis partner. She said that Davisdon had proudly represented Australia and that he was a long­time friend to both her and llana.

She said he was the only man with whom she could have won eight mixed doubles and that although her heart was broken, she had a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Australian, Rod Laver also wrote on Twitter, commenting that Davidson

MMA fighter shot dead by police after violent bar fight

MMA fighter Mauro Chaulet has been killed after he was shot dead by a police officer, following an altercation at a bar.

According to a news source, the incident happened in Porto Alegre in Brazil around midnight, after a female companion of the 34 ­ year ­ old became involved in an argument with another woman, who was accompanied by a military police officer.

The officer was reportedly off duty at the time and the incident got aggravated further after a gun was pulled out by him at the Aum Bar in the Floresta neighbourhood.

As per the local media, Chaulet shot the officer in the groin, after he disarmed him and was then shot himself in the back, while his female companion was shot in the stomach twice.

Chaulet then reportedly tried to drive away from the scene and was then chased by the police.

He was then shot dead at the scene after his car crashed into another vehicle at Rua Almirante Barroso.

Both the military police officer and Chaulet’s companion were rushed to the hospital and are now out of danger.

was a fellow left­handed player and a great sporting champion.

The player was famous for his strong left hand, he beat John Clifton in the first round of the British Hard­

Court Championships which took place in Bournemouth. He was only one of three players to win all four major mixed doubles tournaments in the same year, 1967.

Chelsea reach agreement to appoint new manager

CHELSEA have reportedly reached an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to be the club’s next manager.

According to BBC Sport, the Argentine 51 ­ yearold former Tottenham boss is expected to take the role at the end of the season. He will become the sixth permanent manager at Stamford Bridge in the last five years.

Frank Lampard is currently looking after the players in the role of interim manager following the sacking of Graham Potter in early April.

The team has endured a spell of just one win in the last 11 matches, including eight defeats, and are languishing in 11th spot in the table. Hopes of qualifying for

any European football next season appear to be well out of their reach now.

Their hopes of a successful Champions League run came to an abrupt end at the hands of Real Madrid in the quarter­final stage.

Pochettion was the favourite to land the Chelsea job after former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann turned down the opportunity to replace Potter.

He has been out of work since the summer of 2022 after parting company with Ligue 1 giants PSG. Prior to managing Spurs, Pochettino was in charge at Southampton. In March of this year, he rejected an offer to rejoin Tottenham after they fired Antonio Conte.

FC Barcelona crowned champions

BARÇA clinched the league title with four more games to go in LaLiga, as they celebrate their first Spanish title since Messi left the club.

FC Barcelona were crowned LaLiga champions on Sunday, May 14, after beating Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.

Barça won the title after registering a score of 4­2 against

forced to rush into their dressing rooms after the pitch was invaded by Espanyol fans.

Two of the goals were scored by Robert Lewandowski, which helped the Catalan club clinch its first league title since 2019.

Xavi, Barcelona FC’s coach, also won his first major title since he took over at the helm, with four games remaining,

Madrid,

who placed second.

This was the first time the club won a league title without Messi, since 1998­99, as per Aljazeera.

Two more goals were scored by Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé for Barca, taking the total number of league titles won by the club to 27.

This victory against rivals Es­

panyol resulted in Barcelona scoring a total of 85 points from 34 matches in the league after Madrid won 1­0 against Getafe on Saturday, May 13.

A statement after the match by Xavi said, “It’s a magnificent feeling, a feeling of job well done,” adding, “This is important to give the club’s project some stability. The league title shows that things have been done the right way and that we

Barcelona won against Espanyol, scoring 4-2.

OWEN DAVIDSON: The player was famous for his strong left hand.

Arsenal drop baton on the final leg Premier battle

ARSENAL’S 0­3 loss to Brighton on Sunday, May 14, may have been the end of their title race as they hand the initiative to Manchester City, having led the Premier League for most of the season.

Arsenal flew out of the blocks this Premier League season and led the table up until recently, locking horns with Manchester City as the two teams exchanged the top spot.

But for an Arsenal who mid seemed capable of salvaging any match, with what must have been some heroic half ­ time talks from manager Mikel Arteta, they have come up short at the crucial part of the season.

Arteta, a prodigy of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola even issued an apology after their de feat to Brighton. BeIN SPORTS posted a video of his state ment on Twitter: “We have to apologise for the perfor mance in the second half. Mikel Arteta reflects on a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal.”

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard speaking to

Sky Sports said: “It is going to be very difficult now, we have to be honest. It is tough to take. It is not a good feeling at the moment. The way we played, particularly in the second half, I don’t know what happened to be honest.”

Football Talk on Twitter posted a disconsolate photo of Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, saying: “On January

teams can catch Manchester City and Arsenal now, so it is left for these two to tussle it out, but City have one hand on the title and it really is theirs to lose now. With a win on Sunday, May 21, against a floundering Chelsea the title is theirs.

Manchester City have a game in hand against Arsenal, meaning Arteta’s side would need to win both of their final two games of the season against Nottingham Forest and Wolves respectively, while City at the very least require two draws from three games.

With City currently on a 20­goal advantage in terms of goal difference, Arsenal look likely to be very disappointed with a season that began in magnificent fashion. They need a small miracle now.

With seasoned campaigners like Guardiola and notably Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, having to dig in and show plenty of grit this season, it seems like Arteta has lessons to learn.

But looking at how an exciting, young Arsenal side fared for much of this Premier League campaign, it would be impossible to write off this talented young coach.

AFTER another hectic weekend of Premier League action, this season’s relegation battle in the English Premier League looks like it could go right to the final round of matches.

Southampton are already doomed to drop into the Championship after 11 seasons in the top flight. Their fate was sealed last week following a 2­0 loss against Fulham.

Hovering about the Saints, four teams are separated by just four points. Two of these four will definitely be playing in the lower league next season after May 28.

Leicester City have a formidable run of final matches. They occupy 19th spot right now and must face Liverpool at Saint Mary’s Stadium, followed by an away fixture at Newcastle United, and then, West Ham at home on the last day of the season.

Sam Allardyce has a monumental task on his hands at Elland Road. Their new manager must keep Leeds United from dropping back into the Championship with his side now in

18th spot. They gained an important point on Saturday, May 13, in a thrilling 2­2 draw at home to Newcastle. They only have two games remaining, one of which is massive, away to West Ham United. After a 3­0 home defeat on Sunday 14, to Manchester City, Everton currently stand just one point above the three relegation places.

Their climax to the season is somewhat easier with Wolves away and finally, Bournemouth at Goodison Park. New manager Sean Dyche must rally his players for one final attempt at remaining in English football’s top league. Over at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest have two matches left to play. They are currently in 16th, four points clear of Leicester City, and three more than Leeds United. Steve Cooper’s men face Arsenal at home followed by a trip to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace in the final game of the campaign. Meanwhile West Ham United appear to be safe.

Credit:MikelArteta CreditArsenalFC Twitter Seems like Arteta has lessons to learn.